
Class _PH-S-4'-nS 



\^\A' 



A 



■ i 






LEONIDAB 



A POEM* 




In speechless anguish, on the hero's breast 
She sinks, On every side liis children press , 
Bang on bis knees, and kiss his honoured hand. 



LeoniAas,lii\-'T< 1 



LEONIBAS; 



A POEM5 



Y RICHARD GLOVER. 



rrona the Sixth Loudon edition; 

r-YoY OF Q 




'^m 



BAXTTMORE : 

LISHED BY NEAL, WILLS & COLE. 

Benjamin Edes, printer. 

1814. 



THE 

PREFACE. 



T. 



O illustrate the following poem, to Tindicate the 
subject from the censure of impiobabilitv< and to shew 
by the coiicutring evidence of fhe best historians, that 
such disinterested public virtue did once exist. I have 
thought it would not be improper to prefix the subse- 
quent narration. 

While Darius, the father of Xerxes, was yet on the 
throne of Persia, Cleoineues and Demaratus were kings 
in LacedsemoJi, both descended from Hercules Dema- 
rattis was unfortunately exposed by an uncertain ru- 
mour, which rendered Ms legitimacy sus^jected, to the 
malice and treachery of his colleague, who had conceived 
a personal resentment agaiast him ; for Cleoiaenes, tak- 
ing advantage of this report, persuaded the Spartans to 
examine into the birth of Demaratus, and refer the dif- 
ficulty to the oracle of Delphi ; and was assisted in his 
perfidious designs by a near relation of Demaratus, 
named Leutychides, who aspired to succeed him in his 
dignity. Cleomenes found means to corrupt the priest- 
ess of Delphi, who declared Demaratus not legitimate. 
Thus by tlie base practices of his colleague, Cleomene.9, 
and of his kinsman, Leutychides, Demaratus was ex- 
pelled from his regal office in the commonwealth, a La- 
oedsemonian, distinguished in action and counsel, and 
the only king of Sparta, who by obtaining tlie Olympic 
prize in the chariot-race had increased the lustre of his 
country. He went into voluntary banishment, and, re- 
tiring to Asia, was there protected by Darius ; while 
Leutychides succeeded to the regal authority in Sparta. 
Upon the death of Cleomenes. Leonidas became king, 
wh© ruled in conjunction with this Leutychides, wheji 



11 

Xevxes, the son of Daiius, invaded Greece. The nuis- 
ber of land and naval forces, which accompanied that 
monarch, together with the servants, women, and other 
usual attendants on the army of an eastern prince, 
amounted to upwards of five millions, as reported by 
Herodotus who wrote within a few years after the 
event, and publicly recited his history at the Olympic 
games. In this genei-al assembly not only from Greece 
itself, but from every part of the world, wherever a 
colony of Grecians was planted, had he gi-eatly exceed- 
ed the truth, he must certainly have been detected, and 
eensured by some among so great a multitude; and such 
a voluntary falsehood must have entirely destroyed that 
merit and authority, which have pi-ocured to Herodotus 
the veneration of all posterity, with the appellation of 
the father of history. On the first news of this attempt 
on their liberty, a convention, composed of deputies 
from the several states of Greece, was immediately 
faeld at the Isthmus of Corinth to consult on proper 
measures for the public safety. The Spartans also sent 
messengers to enquire of the oracle at Delphi into the 
event of the war, who returned with an answer from 
the priestess of Apollo, that either a king, descended 
from Heivules, must die, or Lacedsemon wodid be en- 
tirely destroyed LecHiidas immediately offered to sa- 
crifice his life for the i>reservation of Lacedsemon; and, 
marching to I'hermopylas, possessed himself of thatim- 
portantpass with three hundred of his countrymen; 
who with the forces of some other cities in the Pelopon- 
nesus together with the Thebans, Thespians, and the 
troops of those states, which adjoined to Thermopyl^, 
composed an army of near eight thousand men. 

Xerxes was now advanced, as far as Thessalia; wlien 
hearing, that a small body of Grecians was assembled 
at Thermopylse, with some Lacedaimonians at their 
head^ and among the rest Leonidas, a descendant of Her- 
cules, he dispatched a single horseman before to observe 
their numbers, and discover their designs. AVhen thi? 



Ill 

Jiwseiwan approached, he could not take a view of the 
whole camp, wliich lay concealed behind a rampart, for- 
jnei'ly laisedbythe Phociaus at the entrance of I'her- 
raopylse, on the side of Greece; so that his whole atten- 
tion was engaged by those who were on guard before 
the wall, and who at that instant chanced to be the La- 
cedaenioiiians. Their manner and gestures greatly as- 
tonished the Persian. Some were amusing themselves 
in gymnastic exercises; others were combing their hair; 
and all discovered a total disregard of him, whom tliey 
suffered to depart, and report to Xerxes, what he had 
seen: wliich appearing to that prince quite ridiculous, 
he sent for Demaratus, who was with him in the camp, 
and required him to explain this strange behaviour of 
bis counti^men. Demaratus informed him, that it was a 
custom among the Spartans to comb down and adjust 
tlieirhair,when they were determined to fight till the 
last extremity. Xerxes notwithstanding, in the confi- 
dence of his power sent ambassadors to the Grecians to 
demand their arms, to bid them disperse, and become 
his friends and allies; which proposals being received 
with disdain, he commanded the Medes and Cissians to 
seize on the Grecians, and bring them alive into his 
presence. These nations immediately attacked the Gre- 
cians, and were soon repulsed with great slaughter; 
fresh troops still succeeded; but with no better fortune 
than the first, being opposed to an enemy not only supe- 
rior in valour and resolution, but who had the advan- 
tage of discipline, and were furnished with better arms 
botli oifFensive and defensive. 

Plutarch in his Laconic apothegms reports, that tlic 
Persian king offered to invest Leonidas with the sove- 
reignty of Greece, providtd he would join his arms to 
those of Persia. This offer was too considerable a con- 
descension to have been made before a trial of their 
foi-ce, and must therefore have been proposed by Xerx- 
es after such a series of ill success, as iiiight probably 
have depressed the insolence of his temper; and it may 



he easily admilted, that the virtue of Leonidas was 
proof agaii»st any temptations of that nature. Wheth* 
er this be a fact or not, thus much is certain, that Xerx- 
es was reduced to extreme difficulties by this resolute 
defence of Thermopylae; till he was extricated from 
his distress by a Malian, named Epialtes, who conducted 
twenty thousand of the Persian army into Greece, 
tJirough a pass, which lay hig"her up the country among" 
the mountains of Oetar whereas the passage at Ther- 
jiioijylBe was situated on the the sea-shore between those 
mountains and the Malian bay. The defence of the uji- 
per jiass had been committed to a thousand Phocians, 
who upon the first sight of the enemy inconsiderately 
abandoned their station, and put themselves in array 
upon a neighbouring eminence; but the Persians wise- 
ly avoided an engagement, and with, the utmost expedi- 
tion marched to Thermopylae. 

Leonidas no sooner received information, that the 
Barbarians had passed the mountains , and would soon 
he in a situation to surrouDd him, than he commanded 
the allies to retreat, reserving the three hundred Spar- 
tans, and four hundred Thebans, whom, as they followed 
him with reluctance at first, he now compelled to stay. 
But the Thespians, whose number amounted to seven 
hundred, would not be persuaded by Leonidas to forsake 
him. Their comamnder was Demophilus, and the most, 
eminent amongst them for his valour was Dithyrambus, 
the son of Harmatides. Among the Lacedsemonians 
the most conspicuous next to Leonidas was Dieneces, 
•Nvho being told, that the multitude of Persian arrows 
would obscure the son, replied, the battle would then 
be in the shade. Two brothers, named Alpheus and 
Maron, are also recorded for their valour, and were Lace- 
dsertionians. Megistias a priest, by birth an Acarnanian 
and held in high honor at Sparta, refused to desert Le- 
onidas, though entreated by him to consult his safety; 
but sent away his only son, and remained, himself he- 
iiind to die with the Lacedsemojaips. 



V 

Hei-odotus relates, tliat Leonidas drew up his men i» 
the broadest part of rhermopylas; where, beiug eucom- 
passed by the Persians, they fell with great numbers of 
their enemies: but Plutarch Diodorus Siculus, and oth- 
ers affirm, t! at the Grecians attacked the very camp of 
Xerxes in the night. Both these dispositions are re- 
concileable to probability. He might have made an at- 
tack 01) the Persian camp in the night, and in the morn- 
ing withdrawn his foi-ces back to Thermopylae where 
they would be enabled to make the most obstinate resist- 
ance, and sell their lives upon the dearest terras. The 
action is thus described by Diodorus. "The Grecians, 
having now rejected all thouglits of safety, prefej ring 
glory to life, unanimously called on their general to lead 
tliem against the Persians, before they could be apprised 
that their friends had passed round the mountains. I.e- 
onidas embraced the occasion, which the ready zeal of 
his soldiers afforded, and commanded them forthwith to 
dine, as men, who were to sup in Elysium. Himself iu 
consequence of this command took a repast, as the 
means to furnish strength for a long continuance, and 
to give perseverance in danger. After a short refresh^ 
ment the Grecians were now prepared, and received 
orders to assail the enemies in their camp, to put all 
they met to the sword, and force a passage to the royal 
pa\'ilion; when, formed into one compact body with Le- 
oiiidas himself at their head, they marched against the 
Persians, and entered their camp at the dead of night. 
The Barbarians, wholly unprepared, and blindly con- 
Ijectui-ing, that their friends were defeated, and thera- 
tselves astacked by the united power of Greece, hurry 
•together from their tents with the utmost disorder asid 
loonsternation. Many were slain by Leonidas and his 
iparty, but much gi-eater multitudes by their own troops 
lo whom in the midst of this blind confusion they were . 
not distinguishable from enemies; for as night took 
away the power of discerning truly, and the tumult was 
ppread universally over the camp, a prodigious slaugh' 
ter must naturally ensue. The want of oomroand, of a 



VI 

watch-word, and of confidence in themselves, reduced the 
Persians to sucli a state of cojifusion, that they destroy- 
ed each other without distinction. Had Xerxes contin- 
ued in the royal pavilion, the Grecians without difficul- 
ty might have brought the war to a speedy conclusion 
by his death; but he at the beginning of the tumult be- 
took himself to flight with the utmost precipitation; 
when the Grecians, rushing into tlie tent, put to the 
sword most of those w ho were left behind: then, while 
night lasted, they ranged through the whole camp in 
diligent search of the tyrant. When morning appeared 
the Persians, perceiving the true state of things, held 
the inconsiderable number of their enemies in coute. upt; 
yet were so tenified at their valour, that they avoided a 
near engagement; but inclosing the Grecians on eTery 
side, showered their darts and arrows upon them at a 
distance, a;;d in the end destroyed their whole body. In 
this manner fell the Grecians, who under the conduct 
of Leouidas defended the pass of Thermopylse. All 
must admire tlie virtue of these men, who with one 
consent, maintaining the post allotted by theij" country, 
cheerfully renounced their lives for the common safety 
■ of Greece, and esteemed a glorious death more eligible, 
than to live with dishonor. Nor is the consternation 
of the Persians incredible. Who among those Barba- 
rians could have conjectured such an event? Who could 
have expected, that five hundred men would have dared 
to attack a million? Wherefore shall not all posterity re- 
-flect on the ^^rtue of these men, as the object of imi- 
tation, who, though the loss of their lives was the neces- 
sary consequence of their undertaking, were yet uncoii- 
quered in their spirit; and among all the great names, 
delivered down to remembrance, are the only heroes, 
who obtjiined more glory in their fall, than others from 
the brightest victories? With justice may they Ijc deem- 
ed the presex-vers of the Grecian liberty, even prefera- 
bly to those, who were conquerors in the battles fought 
afterwards with Xerxes; for the memoiy of that valour, . 
exerted in the defence of Thermopylae, for ever deject- 



ed tlie Barbarians, while the Greeks were fired with 
emulation to equal such a pitch of niagnaiiiniity. Ui>. 
on the whole, there never A\'ere any before these, who 
attained to immortality through the nieer excess of vir- 
tue; \\hejice the praise of their fortitude hath not been 
recorded by historians only, but hath been celebrated 
by numbers of poets, among others by Simonides the 
lyric." 

Pausanias, in his Laconics, considers the defence of 
ThumopylK by Leonidas, as an action superior to any 
achieved by his cotemporaries, and to all the exploits 
of preceding ages. "Never fsays he; had Xerxes beheld 
Greece, and laid in ashes the city of Athens, had not 
his forces under Hydarnes been conducted through a 
path over mount Oeta; and, by that means encompass- 
ing the Greeks, overcome and slain Leonidas." Nor is 
it improbable, that such a commander at the head of 
such tioops should have maintained his post in so nar- 
row a pass, till the whole army of Xerxes had perished 
by iamine. At the same time his navy had been misera- 
bly shattered by a stoi-m, and worsted in an engagement 
ivith the Athenians at Artemisium. 

'J G conclude, the fall of Leonidas and his brave com- 
panions, so meritorious to their country, and so glorious 
to themselves, hath obtained such a high degree of ven- 
eration and applause from passed ages, that few among 
the ancient compilers of history have been silent on 
this amazing instance of magnanimity, and zeal for li« 
berty; and many are the epigrams and inscriptions now 
extant, some on the whole body, others on particulars, 
wlio died at Thermopylse, still preserving their memory 
in every nation convei'sant with learning, and at this 
distance of time still rendering their virtue the object 
of admiration and of praise. 

1 shall now detain the reader no longer, than to take 
this public occauoii of expressing my siucsi'e regard for 



VI 11 

the Lord Viscount Cobham, and the sense of my ©bliga- 
tioiis for the early honor of his friendship; to him 1 in- 
scribe the following poem; and herein I should be justi- 
fied, independent of all personal motives, from his L rd- 
ship's public conduct, so highly distinguished by his dis- 
interested zeal, and unshaken fidelity to his country, not 
less in civil life, than in the field: to him therefore a 
poem, founded oji a character eminent for military glo- 
ry, aad love of libertyj is due from the nature of the 
subject. 

H. GLOVER. 



RICHARD GLOVER. 



M, 



" R. GLOVER, the author of the celebrated poew^ 
of Leoiiidas, was bom in London, and was tlie son 
of John Glover, Esq, an eminent Hamburgh merehanf, 
who married Miss West, sister of the Right Honourable 
Kichard West, Lord Chancellor of Ireland. Mr. Glo- 
rer's uncle being in that liigh station, it was originally 
intended that he should be brought up to the law; but 
tlie Lord Chancellor dying when his nephew was Anery 
young, the i)lan was altered, and he was brought up t© 
iijs father's profession. 

Mr. Glover, by a lady he married (Miss Nunn) of the 
oounty of Essex, and with whom he received a conside- 
rable fortune, had tl.ree children; a daughter, who die<l 
youxig; Captain Glover, who died in the service of his 
«ountry ofTihe island of Jamaica, comnianclsngliis Ma- 
jesty's ship Janus; and Richard, his surviving son, who 
served in the last parliament for the boiough of Pemyn 
in Cornwall, 

He received the wKole of his education under the 
Reverend Daniel Sanxay at Cheam School; a place 
which he afterwards delighted to visit, and sometimes 
attended the anniversary held of late years in London, 
■where he seemed happy in relating his juvenUe adven- 
tures. At this seminary he distixiguishcd himself by 
the quids ness of his progress, and early Ixgan to exhib- 
it specimens of his poetical powers. - ► 

As a merchant he soon made a conspicuous figure; 
1»UT his commereial affairs did not occupy his whole at- 
tention; he still found leisure to cultivate the stud\ of 
poetry, and continued to associatt wi ill those who were 
eniiiitnt in littrature and science. Oae of his earliest' 
f\-ieiids was Green, the ingenious, though obsHi'e. antho? 
A ' ' 



11 

of that ttuly original poem entitled the ' Spleen,* which, 
in 1737, soon after his death, was published by Mr. Glo- 
ver. This excellent performance contains the follow- 
ing passalie of his literary eminence, with an evident 
allusion to his Leonidas, which he had begun when vexj 
young. 

But there's a youth that you can name, 

"Who needs no leading-strings to fame, 

"Whose quick maturity of brain 

The birth of Pallas may explain: 

Dreaming of whose depending fate, 

I heard Melpomene debate; 

I'his, this is he that was foretold 

Should emulate our Greeks of old; 

Inspir'd by me with sacred art, 

He sings, and rules the varied heart; 

If Jove's dread anger he rehearse, 

"We hear the thunder in his verse; 

If he describe love turn'd to rage, 

The furies riot on liis page; 

If he fair liberty and law, 

By ruffian pow'r expiring, draw, 

The keener passions then engage 

Aright, and sanctify tlieir rage; 

If he attempt disastrous love, 

"We hear those plaints that wound the grore; 

Within V'e kinder passions glow, 

And tears, distill'd from pity, flow. 
The observation made upon Gray, by his friend the 
late Farl of Oxford, 'that he never was a boy,' has been 
applied to Glover. At the early age of 16 he wrote 

A Poem to the Memory of Sir Isaac Newton; which 
was followed by 

Leonidas, first printed in 1737. 

London, or the Progress of Commerce, a poiem not UU" 
worthy of the autlior of Leonidas. 

Hosier's Ghost, one of the most pathetic and beao- 
tifwl ballads ip our language. 



Ill 

Boadicea and Medea, tragedies, performed both with 
much applause. 

And the Athenaid, or a sequel to Leonidas, and form? 
ing a counterpart to it, in thirty books, presented to the 
world, with a few alterations from the pen of a friend, 
in the year 1788. 

He also wrote a second part at Medea, not yet per- 
fonued. 

Leonidas was inscribed to Lord Cobham, and, on its 
first appearance, was received by the public with great 
applause. 

At the time of its publication a zeal, or rather rage, 
for liberty prevailed in England. A constellation of 
great men, distinguished by their virtues as well as by 
their talents, set themselves in opposition to the court. 
Every si)eeits of composition that bore the sacred name 
of freedom I'ecommended itself to their protection, and 
soon obtained possession of the public favor; hence a 
poem founded on the noblest principles of liberty, and 
displaying the most brilhant examples of patriotisr^ 
50on found its way into the world. It was praised in 
tlie wariiiest terms by Lyttleton and Doctor Pemberton, 
and passed through three editions in 1737 and 1738; but, 
as its favomble reception was not founded entirely on 
Its intrinsic merit, it experienced afterwards, mthout 
ieserving it, the fate of those literary productions, 
kvhich are indebted for a temporary celebrity to the iiv 
Huence of party principles. 

It first came out in nine books; but in the last edition 
published by the author (in 1770) was extended to 
tvvflve; and had also several new characters added^ 
besides placing the old ones in new situations. The 
improvements were very considerable; but the public 
»fi:ention was xiot suflBciently alive to recompense the 
pains bestowed on this once popular performance. 

Though not in the highest ciass of epic poems, it can* 
not be icad without delight It is charaeterized by a 
bold spirit of liberty, by generous, tender, and noble 
ientiiHeuts. The authos CTfir y Avheve appears a vivttt" 



IV 

«us man and a good citizen. The charasters are fir«ly 
disciiniiuated, as is justly exempiififd in Dr, Ferabet- 
toii's learned cominentary; and the style possesses ma- 
ny poetical graces, though it is sometimes familiar and 
prosaic, it abounds m the affecting, the tender, and 
the beautiful, rather than in the heroic and sublime. 
Tht parting of Leonidas and his ':^ifeis perhaps i. ore 
intt 1 esting than that of Hector and Andromache. Ihe 
episode of Ariana and Teribazus is poetical and pleas- 
ing. On the whole we may safely venture to place 
Leonidas by the side of Lucan's Pharsalia. Statius's 1 he- 
baid, Camoen's Lusiad. and the Henriade of Voltaire. 

Mr. Glover passed a great portion of his time with 
Mr. Pitt, afterwards Earl of Chatham, Mr. George 
Lyttleton, afterwards Lord Lyttleton, Earl Temple, 
Lord Cobham, and many others of the same principles; 
his connexion with whom introduced him to the no« 
tice of Frederick Prince of Wales, who honoured him 
with his friendship, and distinguished him by his coun- 
tenance and patronage. 

His talents for public speaking, his knov.'ledge of po^ 
litical affairs, and his information concernir.g trade and 
oomuierce. pointed him out to the merchants of London 
as a proper person to conduct their application to par- 
liament, on the subject of the neglect of their trade^ 
He accepted the office; and in summing up the evidence 
gave vei")' striking proofs of his oratwical j)»wers. This 
i?emarkable speech was pronounced at the bar of the 
House of Commons, January 27, 1742, and soon after- 
wards published under the title of 'A short account of 
the late application to parliament mada by the mer- 
chants of London, upon the neglect of their trade, witk 
the evidence thereupon, as summed up by Mr. Glover.' 
By his appearance in behalf of the merchants of Lon» 
don he acquired, and with great justice, the character 
of an able and steady patriot; and indeed, on every oc- 
casion, he shewed his zeal for the connuercial ii.terests 
of the nation, as well as his attachment to the welfare 



V 
«f his couritryraen in general, and that of the city ox 
London ii) particuiar. 

Otir author, being induced by the importunity of his 
friends, offered liiniself in the year 1751 asa candidate 
for the place of Chamberlain of tlur city of London, 
in opposition to the iate Thomas Harrison, Esq. Un- 
fortimately for him he did not declare liis intention till 
most oftheiivery had engap;ed their votes; to which 
circumstance ^a as ascribt^ tlie loss of his election. On 
this occasion he addressed the livery in a very manly 
and anjmatt d speech. 

In the parliament Avhich rnet fit the accession of his 
present majesty (1761). he was elected for Weymcuth. 
He undertook to manage the interests of the merchants 
and traders of London concerned in the ti'ade to Germa- 
ny aiid Holland, and of the dealers in foreign linen?, 
in thtiv application to Parliament in May 1774. Both 
the speeches made on tliese occasions were published 
within the same year. 

In 1775 he engaged on behalf of the West-India 
roerchants, in their application to parliament, exanjin- 
edthe witnesses, and summed up the evidence iji the 
same masterly manner he had done on a former occa- 
sion. For the assistance he afforded the merchamsin 
this business he was complimented by then) w ith a ser* 
vice of plate, of the value of 3C0L The speech which 
lie delivered in tlie house, was piinted in that year.— 
This was the last opportunity h<r had of displayiisgin 
public liis oratorical taients- Having now arrived at a 
period of life which demanded a recess fioni businessj 
he retiied, and wore out the reniaiider of his dajs «ith 
dignity and with hoiiour, in the exercise of the virtues 
of ])rivate life, and in his attention to his muse. He 
tlied at his house in AUiemarh-slrett, Novt-mber 25, 
1785. in the 75th year of his age. and was !^uvied it, thr fa- 
mily vault in St. Edmund the Ivii;g'sin Lombaid-strt-et. 

We shall conclude tliis short account of the life and 
■writings ot our Author by thf following observatioirc. 
upon Leonidas from the pen of Lyttltetoiu 



"Since I have read Leonidas," says he (Comtnoa 
Sense, No. 10). "I have been so full of all the beautiei 
I met with in it, that, to give some vent, I found it ue* 
nessary to write to you, and invite my countrymen to 
take part with me in the pleasure of athniring what so 
justly deserves their admiration. And in doing this I 
iiave yet a further view; I desire to do them good as well 
as please them; for never yet was an epic poeni wrote 
with so noble and so useful a desigrs; the whole plaa 
and piupose of it being to shew the superiority of free- 
dom over slavei7; and how much virtue, public spirit, 
and the love of liberty, are preferable, both in their 
nature and eifects, to riclies, luxury, and the insolence 
of power. 

" tins great and instructive moral is set forth by an 
action the most proper to illusti-ate it of all that ancient, 
or modem history can aiford, enforced by the most 
sublime spirit of poetry, and adorned by all the charms 
of an active awd wann imagination, imder the restraint 
of a cool and sober judgment. 

"And it has another special claim to protection; for, I 
will venture to say. there never was an epic poem which 
had so near a relation as this to common sense; the au. 
thor of it not having allo\\ed himself the liberty, so 
largely taken by his pi-edecessors, of making excursions 
beyond the bounds, and out of sight of it, into the airy 
regions of poetical mythology. There are neither figh(> 
jng gods, nor scolding goddesses; neither iviiracles, noj? 
enchantments; neither monsters, nor giants, in his 
work; but whatsoever human nature can afford that is 
most astonishing, marvellous, and sublime. 

"And it has this particular " merit to reconmiend it j 
that though it has quite the air of an ancient epic poem, 
then is not so much as a single simile in it that is bor- 
rowed from any of the ancients; and yet, I believe 
thert IS hardly any poem that has sucli a variety of 
teautiful comparisons; so Just a confidence had the au- 
thor in the extent and rich abundance of his own iyo.^' 
§inatioi>. 



Vll 

"The artful conduct of the principal design; the skill 
I in connectiiig; aj d adajitiig- ever) t]jis> ck to tlie carry- 
ing on and sewing that design; tht vai iet> of charac- 
ters, the great care to keep tfaeni, ai-.d distinguish taeh 
from the otlier by a propriety of sentiment and thought; 
all tliese are excellenties which the best judges of poe- 
tjy will bf particularly pleased with in Leonidas. 

"Upon the whole, 1 look upon tliis jjoem as one of 
those few of distinguished worth and excellence, which 
I will be hai ded down with respect to all posterity, and 
* which, in the long revolution of past centuries, but two 
I or three countries have been able to produce. Aiid I 
cannot help congratulating ray own, that, after having 
iin the last age brought foitli a Miltois, she has in this 
produced two niore such poets as we have the happiness 
(to see tiourisfa together; I mean Mr. Pope aad Mr. 
' €Tlovey." 



LEONIDAS. 

BOOK I. 



THE ARGUMENT. 
XERXES, king of Persia, having drawn together the 
■\vholefoiceof his empire, and pass'd over the Helles- 
pont into Thrace, with a design to conquer Greece, 
the deiiuties from the several states of tJiat country, 
■who had some time'hefore assembled themselves at the 
Isthmus of Corinth, to deliberate on proper measures 
for resisting the invader, were no sooner apprijcd of 
Jiis march into Thrace, than tJiey determined without 
fmtlier delay to dispute his passage at the streights of 
Thermopylaj, tlie mo?t accessible part of Greece on 
side of the Thrace and Thessalj . Alpheus, one of the 
deputies from Sparta, repairs to tliat city, and commu- 
nicates tliis resolution to his countrymen; wlio chan- 
ced that day to be assembled in expectation of receiv- 
ing an answ er from Apollo, to whom they had sent a 
messenger to consult about the event of the war. 
Leutychidcs, one of their two kings, counsels the peo- 
ple to advance no farther than the Istlunus of Corinth, 
•which separates the Peloponnesus, where Laeedfemon 
was situated, from the rest of Greece; but Leonidas, 
the other king, dissuades them from it. Agis,the mes- 
senger, wbiO had been deputed to D.elphi, and brother 
to the queen of Leonidas, returns with the oracle; 
■which denounces nsin to the Laeedsemonians, unless 
one of their kings lays down his life for the public. 
leonidas offers himself for the victim. Three hundred 
more are appoirted, all citizens of Sparta, and heads of 
families, to accon.pany and die with liim at Tlnemo- 
pylpe. A'pheus.ietnrns to the Isthmus. Leonidas, at 
ter an interview with his queen departs from Lace- 
ilsemon. At the end of six days he encamps near the 
Isthmus, when he isjoin'd by Alpheus; who describes 
the auxiliaries, tlien w aiting at the Isthmus, those, 
who are already possessed of Thermopj Ise, as also 
the pass itself; and concludes witli relating the capti- 
vity of his brother Polydorus in Persia. 



LEONIDAS. 



EOOK I. 

JL HE vii'tuoiis Spartan, who resign'd 3)is life 
To save his conntiy at th' Oetsean strtights, 
ThermopyiffijWhen all the peopled east 
In arms with Xerxes fiU'd the Grecian plains, 
O Muse, record. The Hellespont they pass'd, 
G'ei-pow'ring Thrace. The dreadful tidings s^vift 
To Coriiitli tlew. Her Isthmus was th^^ seat 
Of Grecian couxicil. Alpheus thence returns 
Tc Lacedajnion. In assembly full 
He fisids the Spartan people with their kings; 
Their kiiigs. who boast an origin divine, 
From Hercules descended. SvThey the sons 
Of Lacedaeinon had conven'd to learn 
The sacred mandates of th' immortal gods, 
Tha tmorn expected from the Delphian dome. 
Bnt Alpheus sudden their attention drew. 
And thus addressed them. ' For immediate war. 
My countrymen, prepare. Barbarian ter.ts 
Already fill the tremblhig bounds of Thrace. 
The Isthmian council hath decreed to guard 
Thermopylffi, the Locrian gate of Greece.' 

Here Alpheus paus'd. Leutyehldes, who shar'd 
With great Leonidasthe sway, uprose 
And spake. ' Ye citizens of Sparta, hear. 
Why from her bosom should Laconia send 
Her valiant race to wage a distant war 
Beyond the Isthmus? There the gods have plac'd 
Our native barrier. In this favor'd land, 
"Which Pelops govern'd, us of Doric blood 
That Isthmus inaccessible secures. 
There let our standards rest. Your solid strength 
If once you scatter in defence of states 



4f 

Kemote and feeble, yon betray your own. 
And merit Jove's derision-' With assent 
The Spartans heard. Leonidas reply'd. 

' O most nngen'rous counsel! Most unwise! 
Shall we, confining to that Isthmian fence 
Our efforts, leave beyond it ev'ry state 
Disown'd, expos'd? Shall Athens, while her fleets 
Unceasing watch th' innumerable foes. 
And trust th' impending dangers of the field 
To Sparta's well-known valour, shall she hear 
That to Barbarian violence we leave 
Her unprotected walls? Her hoary sires, 
Her helpless matrons, and their infant race 
To servitude and shame? Her guardian gods 
Will yet preserve them. Neptune o'er his mails 
With Pallas, pow'r of wisdom, at their helms 
Will soon transport them to a happier clime , 
Safe from insulting foes, from false allies, 
And eleuthrian Jove will bless their flight. 
Then shall we feel the unresisted force 
Of Persia's navy, deluging our plains 
With inexhausted numbers. Half the Greeks^ 
By us betray'd to bondage, will support 
A Persian lord, and lift th' avenging spear 
Por our destruction. ' But, my friends, reject 
Such iiean, such daug'rous counsels, which would blast 
Your long-establish 'd honors, and assist 
The proud invader. O eternal king 
Of gods and mortals, elevate our minds! 
Each low and partial passion thence expell 
Greece is our gen'ral mother. All must join 
In her defence, or sep'rate each must fall. 

This said, authority and shame controll'd 
The nmte assembly. Agis too appear'd. 
He from the Delphian cavern was return 'd, 
Where, taught by Phoebus on Parnassian clifTsj 
The Pythian maid unfolded heav'n's decreejs, 



5 
He eame, but discontent and gvief o'ercast 
His anxious brow. Reluctant Avas his tonsfue, 
Yet seeni'd lull eharg''d to speak. Religious dx-eafi 
Each heart relax'd. On ev'ry visage iiung 
Sad expectation. Not a whisper told 
The silent fear. Intensely ail were fix'd, 
All still, as deatJi, to hear the solemn tole. 
As o'r .' the westerii waves, when ev'ry storm 
Is hu-ili'd within its eavern, and a breeze, 
Soft-breathing, lightly with its wings along 
The slacken 'd cordage glides, the sailor's ear 
Perceives no sound throughout the vast expanse; 
Xone, but the murmurs of the sliding prow, 
"Which slowly parts the smooth and yielding maiii; 
So through the wide and listning croud no sound, 
No voice, but thine. O Agis, broke the air; 
While thus tht issue of thy awful charge 
Thy lips deliver'd. ' Spartans, in your name 
I went to Delplii. I ejiquir'd the doom 
Of Lacedaeinon fioni th' impending war, 
When in these words the deity repij 'd. 

" Inhabitants of Sparta, Persia's arms 
* Shall lay your proud and ancient seat in dust; 
" Unless a kmgjfrom Hercules deriv'd, 
" Cause Lacedaimou for his death to mouin." 

As, when the hand of Perseus had disclos'd 
The snalies of dire Medusa^ all, who view'd, 
The Goigon features, were congeal'd to stoue. 
With ghastly eyeballs, on the hero bent. 
And horror, living in their marble form; 
Thus with amazement rooted, where they stood. 
In speechless terror frozen, on their kings 
The Sjiartaus gaz'd: but sooii their anxious looks 
All on the great Leonidas ujiite. 
Long known his courtry's refuge. He alone 
Remains unshaken. Rising, he displays 
His god-like presence. Dignity and gaace 
Adorn his frame, where mauly beauty joins 



6 

With strength Herculean. On his aspect sliine 
Sublime St virtue and desire offanje, 
Where justice j- ives the laurel, in his eye 
The i)ie.\tingu!shable spark, M'h'cij fires 
The souls of patriots; while his brow supports] 
Ujidaunted valour, and coiitemiJt of death. 
Serene he cast his looks around and spake. 

' Why this astoiiishment on ev'ry face, 
Yemen of Sparta? Does the name of death 
Create this fear aiid Avouder? O my friends, 
AVhy do we labour throv:gh the arduous jiaths, 
Which lend to virtue? Fjuitless were the toil, 
Above the reach of human feet were plac'd 
The distant summit; if the fear of death 
Could intercept our passage. But a frown 
Of unavailing terror he assuraes 
To shake th^ firmness of a mind which koowSj 
That, A', anting virtue, life is pain and M'oe, 
That, wanting liberty, ev'n virtue mourns. 
And looks arourid for happiness in vain. 
Then speak, O Spaita, and dewiand my life. 
My heart, cxtiiting, answers to thy call, 
And smiles on gioiious fate. To live with favaz 
The gods allow to many; but to die 
With equal lustre is a blessing, Jove 
Among the choicest of his boo}is reserves, 
Which but on few his sparing hand bestows.' 

Salvation thus to Sparta he i)roclaim'd. 
Joy, wrapt a\A hile in admiration, j^aui'd. 
Suspending praise; nor £>raise at last resounds 
In high acclaim to rend tlie arch of heav'n: 
A reverential murmur breatlies applause. 
So were the pupils of Lycui'gus train'd 
To bridle natuiec Public fear was diunb 
Before their senate, ephori and kings, 
Nor exultation into clamour broke. 
Amidst tUeai rose Dieneces, and thus. 



7 
'' Haste to Therinopyl e. To Xerxes shew 
'llie discipline of Spartans, lca)g renowii'd 
In rigid warfare, with enduriWg" jiiinds, 
Which neither pain, nor want, nor danger bend. 
Fly to the gate of Greece, which open stands 
To slavery and rapine. They will shrink 
Before your standard, and their native seats 
Resume in abject Asia. Ann, ye sires, 
Who with a growing race Jiave bless'd the state. 
That race, your parents, gen'ral Greece forbid 
Delay. Heav'n sujuinons. Equal to the cause 
A chief behold. Can Spartans ask for more?' 

Bold Alpheus next. 'Conimaml my swift return 
Amid the Isthmian council to declare 
Your instant ma rch.' His distates all approve. 
Back to the IstJnnus he unwcary'd speeds. 

Now from tli' assembly with majestic steps 
Forth moves their god-like king, with conscious worth 
His gen'rous bosom glowing. Such the port 
Of his divine progenitor; impeli'd 
By ardent virtue, so Alcides trod 
Invincible to face in horrid war 
The triple form of Gei-yon, or against 
The bulk of huge Ant'ceus match his strength. 

Say, Muse, wliat heroes, by example fir'd. 
Nor less by honor, offer *d now to bleed? 
Dieneces the foremost, brave and staid, 
Of vet'ran skill to range in martial fields 
Well-order'd lines of battle. Maron next, 
Twin-born witli Alpheus, shews his manly fraiiie. 
Him Agis followed, brother to the queen 
Of great Leonidas, his friend, in war 
His try'd companion. Graceful w ere bis steps, 
And gentle liis demeanour. Still his soul 
Preserv'd tlie purest virtue, though refin'd 
By arts unknown to Lacedsemon's race. 
High WBshis office. He, when Sparta's weal 



•8 
Support and counsel from the gods requiv'd, 
Was sent the hallo w'd messenger to learn 
Their mystic will, in oracles declar'd, 
From rocky Delphi, Irom Dodona's shade, 
Or sea-encircled Delos, or the ceil 
Of dark Trophonius, round Boeotia known. 
Three hmidred more corapleat th' intrepid band, 
Illustrious fathers all of gen'rous sous, 
The future guardians of Laconia's state. 
Then rose Megistias, leading forth his son, 
Young Menalippus. Not of Spartan blood 
Were they. Megistias, heav'n-enlighten'd seer, 
Had left his native, Acarnanian shore; 
Along the border of Eurotas chose 
Kis place of dwelling. For his Avorth receiv'd, 
And hospitably cherish'd, he the wi'eath 
Pontific bore in Lacedsemoik's camp, 
Serene in danger, nor his sacred arm 
From warlike toil secluding, nor imtaught 
To wield the sword, and poise the weighty spear. 

But to his home Leonidas retir'd. 
There calm in secret thought he thus explor'd 
His mighty soul, while nature in his breast 
A short emotion rais'd. 'What sudden grie^ 
What cold reluctance now unmans my heart, 
Aiid whispers, that I fear? Can death dismay 
Leonidas; death, often seen and scorn'd. 
When clad most dreadful in the battle's front? 
Or to reliiiquish life in all its pride, 
^Vith all my honors, blooming round my head|. 
Repines my soul, or rather to forsake, 
Eternally forsake my weeping wife, 
My infant offspring, and my faithful friends? 
Leonidas, awake. Shall these withstand 
The public safety? Hai-k, thy country calls. 
O sacred voice, I hear thee. At the sound 
Reviving virtue brightens in my heart; 
Fear vaiiislies before her. Death, receive 



9 

My mireluetant hand. Immortal fame, 
Tliou too, attendant on my righteous, fall, 
With wings unweary'd wilt jirotect my tomb.' 

Ilis virtuous soul the hero had confirm'd. 
When Agis enter'd. 'If my turdy lips,' 
Ke thus began, 'haA'e hitherto forborne 
To bring their grateful tribute of applause, 
^Vhich, as a Spartan, to thy worth I owe; 
ForgiAethe brother of thy queen. Her grief 
Detain'd me from thee. O unequall'd man, 
Though LacedEgmon call thy prime regai-d, 
Forget not lier, sole victim of distress 
Amid the gen'ral safety. To assuage 
Such pain fraternal tenderness is weak.' 

The king embrae'd him, and reply'd. «0 best, 
O dearest man, conceive not, but my soul 
To her is fondly bound, fi'ora whom my days 
Their largest share of happiness deriv'd. 
Can I, who yield my breath, lest others mourn, 
I-esf thousands should be wretched, when she pines, 
More lov'd, than any, tho' less dear, than all. 
Can 1 neglect her griefs? In future days, 
If thou with gi'ateful memory record 
?vly name and fate, O Sparta, pass not this 
Unheeded by. The life, for thee resigu'd, 
KJnew not a painful hour to tire my soul, 
Xor were they common joySj I left behind.' 

So spake the patriot, and his heart o'erflow'd 
In tend'rest passion. Then in eager haste 
The faithful partner of liis bed he sought. 
Amid her weeping children sat the queen 
Immoveable and mute. Her swimming eyes 
Bent to the earth. Her arms were folded o'er 
Herlab'ring bosom, blotted with her tears. 
As, when a dusky mist involves the sky, 
The moon through all the dreary vapours spreads 
B 2 



1© 

The lafliant vesture of her silver light 
O'er the dull face of nature; so the queen, 
Di\'inely graceful sliining through her grief, 
Brighteu'd the cloud of woe. Her lord approach'd. 
Soon, as in gentlest phrase his well-known voice 
Awak'd her drooping spirit, for a time 
Care was appeas'd. She lifts her languid head* 
She gives this utt'rance to her tender thoughts^ 

'O lliou, whose presence is my sole delightj 
If thus, Leonidas, thy looks and words 
Can check the rapid current of distress, 
How am I niavk'd for misery! How long! 
"When of life's journey less, than half, is pass'd, 
And I must hear those calming sounds no moref 
!Nov see that face, which makes affliction smile.' 

This said, returning grief o'erwhehns her bi-east. 
Her orphan children, her devoted lord, 
Pale, bleedijig, breathless on the field of death. 
Her ever-during solitude of woe, 
All rise in mingled horror to her sight, 
Wlien thus in bitt'rest agony she spake. 

'O whither art thou going from my arms! 
Shall I no more behold ihee! Oh! uo more, 
In conquest ckvd,o'erspread with gl riousdust, 
Wilt thou return to greet thy native soil; 
And find thy dwelling joyful! Ah! too brave, 
Whj wouldst thou hun-y to the dieary gates 
Of death, uncall'd? \nother might have bled, 
Like thee a victim of Alcides' race, 
X-ess dear to all, and Si)arta been secure. 
Now ev'rj eye with mine is drown'd in tearsi 
All with these babes lament a father lost. 

Alas! how heav_\ is our lot of pain! 

Our sighs must last, when every other breast 

Exults iii saftty, purchased by oui loss. 

Thou didst not heed our anguish— didst aot seek 



11 

One pause for my insti-uctioii how to beai' 
Thy eiwlless absence, or like thee to die.' 

Uiiiittevable sorrow here confiu'd 
Her voice. 'I'hese words lieonidas return'd. 

'I see, I sliare thy agonj'. My soul 
NeVr knew, how warm thepi'evalenceof love, 
How strong: II parent's feelings, till ihis hour; 
Nor was she once insensible lo thee 
In all her fervour to assert my fame. 
How^had the honours of mj name been stain'd 
By hesitation.'' yhainefiil life preferr'd 
By an inglorious colleague would have left 
No choice, but what were infamy to shun, 
Not virtue to accept. Then deem no more, 
That of thy love regardless, or thy tears, 
1 rush'd uiicall'd, to deatJi. The voice of fate, 
The gods, iny fame, my coinitry press my dooni. 
Oh! thou dear mourner! Wherefore swells afresh 
That tide of woe? Leouidas must full. 
Alas! far heavier misery impends 
O'er thee and these, if. soften'd by thy tears, 
I shaiiRfnlly refuse to yield that breath. 
Which justice, glory, liberty a- id heav'n 
Claim for my country, for my sons and thee. 
Think on my long unalter'd love. Reflect 
On my paternal fondness. Hath my heart 
E'er known a pause in love, or pious care? 
Now shall that care, that tenderness he shewn 
Most warm; most faithful. When thy husband dies 
For Lacedaemon's safety, thou wilt share, 
Thou and thy children tlie diilusive good. 
I am selected by th' immortal gods 
To save a people. Should my timid heart 
That sacred chai'ge abandon, I should plunge 
Thee too ii» shame, in sorrow. Thou uouldst inourn 
"With Lacedaemon; wouldst with her sustain 
Thy painful portion of oppression's weight, 



12 
Behold thy sons now worthy of their name, 
Thejif Spartan birth. Their growing bloom would pine 
Bepress'd, dishonom'd, and tlieir youthful hearts 
Beat at the sound of liberty no more. 
On their own merit, on their fatlier's fame, 
When he the Spartan freedom hath confirni'd. 
Before the world illustrious Avill they rise 
Their counti7's bulwark, and their mothev's joy.' 

Here paus'd the patriot. In religious awe 
Grief heard the voice ef virtue. No coiuplaint 
The solenm silence broke. Tears ceas'd to flow; 
Ceas'dfor a moment soon again to stream. 
Behold in arms before the palace drawn, 
His brave companioiis of the war demand 
Their leader's presence. Then her griefs, renew'd, 
Surpassing utt'rance intercept her sighs. 
Each accent freezes on her falt'ring tongue. 
In sijeechiess anguish on the hero's breast ^ 

She sinks. On ev'ry side his children press, 
Hang on his knees, and ki«s his honour'd hand. 
His soul no longer struggles to confine 
Her agitation. Down tlie hero's cheek, 
Down ilows the manly sorrow. Great in woe 
Amid his children, who enclose him round, 
He stands, indulging tenderness and love 
In graceful tears, when thus Avith lifted ej es, 
Address'd to heav'n. 'Thou ever-living jiow'r. 
Look down propitious, sire of gods and men! 
O to this faithful woman, whose desert 
May claim thy favour, grant the hours of peacel 
And thou, my bright forefather, «ced of Jove, 
O Hercules, neglect not these thy racel 
But since that spirit, I from thee derive, 
Transports me from them to resistless fate, 
Be thou tlieir guardiani Teach them like thyself 
Ky glorious labours to embellish life, 
Aiid from thi.ir father let them learn to die.' 



13 

llcve ending, forth he issues, and assumes 
Before theiaiiks his station of command. 
I'hey now jiroceed. So mov'd the host of lieav'is 
On Phlegia's plains to meet the giant sons 
Of Earth and Titan. From Olyminis march 'd 
The deities embattled; while their king 
Tow'i-d in the front uith thinider in his grasp. 
Thus through the streets of Lacedismon pass'd 
Leor.idas. Before his footsteps bow 
The multitude exulting. On he treads 
Revei'd. Unsated, their enraptur'd sight 
Pursues his graceful stature, and their tongues 
Extol and hail him, as t!:eir guardiaj j god. 
Firin in his nervous hand he gripes the spear. 
Low, as the ankles, from his shoulders hangs 
The massy shield; und o'er his bumish'd helm 
The purple jilumage nods. Harmonious youths, 
Ai'ound Mhose brows entM'ining laurels play, 
In lofty-sounding strains his praise record; 
"VVliile sjiowy-Iinger'd viigins all the way 
Bestrew with od'rous garlands. Now his breast 
Is all possess'd by glory, which dispeii'd 
Whate'er of grief rejnain'd, or vain regret 
For those he left behind. ITie rev'rend train 
Of Laeedsemon's senate last appear 
To take their final, solemn leave, and grace 
Tlu ir hero's paitiiig steps. Around him How 
In civil x)omp their venerable robes, 
Mix'd whh the blaze of arms. The shining troop 
Of warriors press behind him. ISIaron here 
With iMcnalippus warm in flow'ry prime, 
There Agis, there Megistias, and the chief, ~^ 

Dieneces. Laconia's dames ascend 
The loftiest mansions; thronging o'er tlie roofs, 
Api)laud their sons, their husbands, as they march: 
So parted Argo from th' lolchian Strand 
To plough the foaming surge. Thessalia's nymphs, 
Rang'd on the cliffs, o'ersliading Neptune's face> 
Still on the distant veiselfis'tl their eyes 



±4! 
Admiring, still in pseans bless'd the helm, 
By Greece entrusted with her chosen sons 
For high adventures on the Coichian sliore. 
SM'ift on his course Leonidas proceeds. 
Soon is Eu rotas pass'd, and l-erna's bank, 
Where his victorious ancestor suhdu'd 
The .iiany-headed Hydra, and the lake 
To endless fame consign'd. Th' unweary'd bands 
Next through the pines of Mtenalus he led, 
And down Parthenius urg'd the rapid toil. 
Six days incessant was their march pursu'd, 
When to their ear the hoarse-resounding waves 
Beat on the Istiinuis. i lere the tents are spread. 
Below the wide horizon then the sun 
Haddipp'd his beamy locks. I'he queen of night 
Gleam'd from the center of th' ethereal vault. 
And o'er the raven plumes of darkness shed 
Her jjJacid light. Leonidas detains 
Dieneces and Agis. Open stands 
The tall i)avilion, and admits the moon. 
As here they sit conversing, from tlie hill, 
Which rose before them, one of noble port 
Is seen descending. Lightly down the slope 
He treads. He calls aloud. They heard, they knew 
The voice of AJpheus, whom the king address'd. 

'O thou, with swiftness by the gods endu'd 
To match the ardour of thy daring soul, 
What from the Isthmus draws thee? Do the Greeks 
Neglect to arm and face the public foe?' 

•<5rood news gives wings, said Alpheus. Greece is arm'd. 
The neighb'ring Isthmus holds th' Arcadian bands. 
From Mantinea Diophantus leads 
Five hundred spears; nor less from Tegea's walls 
With Htgesander move. A thousaiid more, 
W}m> in Orchoinenus reside, ai.d rang-e 
Along Pairhasius, or Cyllene's brow; 
Who near the foot of £,ryinanthus dwell, 



15 

0r on Alphean banks, with various chiefo 

Expect thj- prest'iice. Most is Cioniusfam'd, 

Of stature huge, unshaken rock of war. 

Four huudred warriors brave Alcmseon draws 

"From stately Corinth's tow'rs. Two hundred marclb 

From Phlius. Them Eupalamus commands. 

An equal number of Myee.ige's race 

Aristobulus heads. Through fear alone 

Of thee, and threat'ning Greece the Thebans arm. 

A few in Thebes authority and rule 

Usurp. Corrupted with Barbarian gold, 

They quench the gen'rous, eleutherian flame 

In ev'ry heart. The eloquent they bride. 

By specious tales the multitude they^ chea^ 

Estalilishing base measures on the plea 

i Of public safety. Others are immers'd 
In all the sloth of plenty, who, unmov'd 

! In shameful ease, behold the state betray'd. 
Aw'd by thy name, four hundred took the field. 
The wilv Anaxander is their chief 
With Leontiades. To see their march 

i I staid, then hasten'd to survey the streights, 
"Which thou shait render sacred to renown.' 

Forever mingled with a crumbling soil, 
' Which iiiouldeis round th' indented Malian coast, 

Tlie sea rolls slimy. On a solid rock, 
' Which forms the imnost limit of a bay, 

Thermopylae is stretch'd. Wliere broadest spread' 
1 It measures threescore paces, bounded here 
By the salt ooze, which underneath presents 
A dieay surface; there the lofty cliflfs 
Of woody'd CEta overlook the pass. 
And far beyond o'er half the surge below 
-Their horrid umbrage cast. Across the mouth 
An auciei.t bulwark of the Phociaus stands, 
A wall with gates and tow'rs The I-ocrian force 
Was marching forward. Them I pass'd to greet 
Demophilus of Ihespia, who had pitch'd 



16 

Seven hundi-ed spears before th' important fence. 

His bvotlier's son attends the rev'rend chief^ 
Young- Dithyrambus. He for noble deeds, 
Yet more for temperance of mind renown'd, 
In early bloom with brightest honors shines, 
Nor wantons in the blaze. Here Agjis spake. 

'Well hast thou pain"\ed that illustrious youth. 
He is my host at Thespia. Though adorn xl 
With various wreaths, by fame, by fortune bless'd, 
J lis gentle virtues take from Envy's lips 
Their blasting venom; and her baneful eye 
Strives on his worth to sn^ile.' In silence all 
Again remain, when Alpheus thus jvroceeds, 

'Platsea's chosen veterans I saw, 
Small in their number, matchless in their fame. 
Diomedon the leader. Keen his s-wonl 
At Maratiion was felt, where Asia bled. 
These guard Tliermopylse. A^nong the hills, 
Unknown to strangers winds an upper streight, 
Which by a thousand Phocians is secur'd. 

Ere these brave Greeks I quitted, in the bay 
A stately chieftain of th' Athenian fleet 
Arriv'd. I join'd hira. Copious in thy praise 
He utter'd rapture, but austerely ][^am'd 
Laconia's tardy counsels; Avhile the ships 
Of Athens long had stemra'd Eubcean tides. 
Which flo^^' not distant from our future post. 
This was the far-ftiiti'd .Eschylus,by Mars, 
By PhcEbus lov'd. Parnassus hira proclaims 
The first of Attic poets, him the plains 
Of Marathon a soldier, try'd in arms.' 

«Well may Athenians murmur,' said the king. 
'Too long liath Sparta sluinber'd on her shield. 
By morn beyond the Isthmus we will spread 
A gen'rous banner. In Laconian strains 



Of Alcman and Terpander lives the fame 

Of our forefatlitis. Let ouv deeds attract 

The brighter muse of Athens in the song 

Of yEschylus divine. Now fraiue thy clioicco 

Share in our fate; or, hast'niiig home, report, 

How much already th) discerning mind, 

Thy activt iiMibs liave merited iVom me, 

How serv'd thy country. From th' iiupatient liiw 

Of Alplieus swift these fervid accents broke. 

'I have not measur'd siicli a tract of land. 
Have not, untir'd, beheld the setting sun, 
}iov through the shade of midnight urg\l my steps 
To animate the Grecians, that myself 
Might be exempt from warlike toil, or death. 
Returi..' Ah! no. A second time ray speed 
Shall visit thee, Thermopylae. My iunba 
Shall at thy side, Leonidas, obtain 
An honorable grave. And oh! amid 
! His country's perils if a Spartan breast 

May feel a private sorrow, fierce revenge 
] I seek not only for th' insulted state. 
But for a brother's wrongs. A younger hope, 
Tha;^ I, and Maron, bless'd our father's years, 
( Child of his age, and Polydorus nam'd. 
i His mirid, while tender in his op'iiing prime, 
' Was bent to strenuous virtue. Gen'rous scoi-n 
( Of pain, or danger taught his early strength 
' I'o struggle patient with severest toils. 
I Oft, wheii inclement winter chill'd the air, 
' WTien frozen show'rs had swoln Eurotas' stream, 
. Amid til' impetuous chaimel woidd he plunge 
' To breast the torrent. On a fatal day, 
i As in the sea his active limbs he bath'd, 
J A savage corsair of the Persian king 
1 My brother naked and defenceless bore, 
1 Ev'n in my sight, to Asia; there to waste 
' With all the proiuise of its growing worth 
1 His youth in bondage. Tedious were the tale. 



IS 

Should I recount my pains, my father's woes, 
The days he v/ept, the sleepless nights he beat 
Kis aged bosom. And shall Al]>heus' spear 
Be absent from Thermopylae, nor claim, 
O Polydorus, vengeance for thy wrongs 
In that first slaughter of the barb'rous foe.' 



Here interpos'd Dieneces. Tlieir hands 
He grasp'd, and cordial transport thus expi 



express'd. 



'O that Lycurgus from the shades might rise 
To praise the virtue, which his laws inspire!' 

Thus till the dead of night these heroes pass'd 
The hours in friendly converse, and enjoy'd 
Each other's virtue. Happiest of men! 
At length with gentle heaviness the pow'r 
Of sleep iiivades their eyelids, and constrains 
Tlieir magnanimity and zeal to rest; 
"When, Sliding down the hemisphere, the moon 
Immers'd in midnight shade her silver head. 



BOOK II. 



THE ARGUMENT. 
LEONID AS on his approach to the Isthmus, is met bj 
the leaders of the troops, sent f Vora other Grecian 
states, and by the deputies, who composed tlie Isthmi- 
an council. He harangues them; then proceeds in 
conjunction with these forces, towards Then nop} las. 
On the first day he is joined by Diihyrambus; on tlie 
third he reaches a valley in Loeris, where he is enter- 
tained by Oileus, the public host, of the Lacedsemo- 
nian state; and the next morning is accompanied by 
him in a car to the temple of Pan: he finds Medon 
tliere, the son of Oileus, and commander of two thou- 
sand Locrians, already posted at Thermopylae, and by 
him is informed that the army of Xerxes is in sight of 
the pass. 



LEONIDxiS, 



BOOK II. 

% URORA spreads her purple beams around, 
hen move the Spartans . Their approach is knoWB» 
le Islhiiiian council, aial the diff 'rent chiefs, 
ho lead th' auxiliar bands, advance to meet 
lonidas; Eupalamus the strong, 
cma'on, Clonius, Diophantus brare 
itli Hegesander. At their head is seen 
istobiiius, M'hom Mycense's ranks 
■ey, Mycense once august in pow'r, 
psplendid wealth, and vaunting still the name 
I Agaiuemuon. To Laconia's king 
le chieftain spake. Leonidas, survey 
'cena's race. Should ev'ry other Greek 
I aw'd by Xerxes, and his eastern host, 
Jieve not, we can fear, deriv'd from those, 
ho once conducted o'er the foaming surge 
le strength of Greece; who desert left the fields 
ravag'd Asia, and her proudest walls 
)ni their foundations levell'd to the ground.' 

L.eonidas replies not, but his voice 

i^ects to all, ' lllusti-ious warriors, hailJ 

10 thus undaunted signalize your faith, 

ur gen'rous ardour in the common cause. 

t you, whose counsels prop the Grecian statCj 

=enerable synod, who consign 

lOur protecting swoi-d, the gate of Greece, 

sricc hail! Whate'er by valour we obtain, 

nr wisdom must preserve. With piercing ete» 

Qtemplate ev'ry city, and discern 

feir various tempers. Some with partial car^ 

i guard thei? own neglect the public weal. 

moY'd and cold are Others. TeiTorhere, ^, 



22 

Cormption there presides. O fire tlie brave 
To gen'ral eSjrts in the general cause. 
Confirm the wav'ring. Animate the cold, 
The timid. Watch the faithless. Some betraj' 
Themselves and Greece. Their perfidy prevent, 
Or call them back to honor. Let us all 
Be link'd in sacred imion, and this land 
May face the world's whole multitude in arms. 
If for the spoil, by Paris borne to Troj', 
A thousand keels the Hellespont o'erspread; 
Shall not again confederated Greece 
Be rous'd to battle, and to freedom give 
"What once she gave to fame? Behold, we haste 
To stop th' invading tj'rant. Till we fall, 
He shall not pour his myriads on your plains. 
But nsthe gods conceal, how long our strength 
May stand unranquish'd, or how soon may yield; 
Waste not a moment, till consenting Greece 
Range all her free-born numbers in the field.' 

Leonidas concluded. Awful stepp'd 
Before the sage assembly one supreme 
And old in office, who address'd the king. 

' Thy bright example ev'ry heart unites. 
From thee her happiest omens Greece deriTCs 
Of concord, safety, libeity and fame. 
Go then, O first of inortals,go, impress 
Amaze and tenor on thebarb'rous host; 
The free-born Greeks instructing life to deem 
Less dear, than honor, and their country's cause.' 

Tins heard, Leonidas thy secret soul, 
Exulting, tasted of the sweet reward 
Due to tj[iy name througli endless time. Once more 
His ejes he tinn'd,and view'd in rapt'rous thought 
His native land, which he aloi.e can save; 
Then summon'd all his majesty, and o'er 
The I^tt^us trod. The iilialanx move l^hind 



2S 

i deep arrangement. So tV itijperial ship 
'ith stately bulk along the Jieaving tide 
I military pomp conducts the pow'r 
f some proud navy, boitndiug fi'om the port 
b bear the vengeance of a. mighty state 
gainst a tyrant's walls. Till sultry noon 
hey mardi; when halting, as they take repast, 
cross the plain before them they descry 
troop of Thespians. One above tlie rest 
1 eminence precedes. His glitt'riug shield, 
Tiose gold-einblazon'd orb collects the beam*, 
ast bj' meridian Phcebus from his throne, 
lames like another sun. A snowy plume, 
7itii wanton curls disporting in the breeze, 
loats o'er his dazzling casque. On nearer view 
enea th the radiant honours o f his crest 
. coimtenance of 5 outh in rosy priivie, 
lind manly sweetness won the fix'd regard 
,»f each beholdei-. With a mo<lest grace 
{e came respectful tow'rd the king, and shew'd, 
That all ideas of his own desert 
Vere sunk in veneration. So the god 
>f light salutes his empyreal sire; 
Vhen from his altar in th' embow'ring grove 
)f palmy Delos, or the hallow'd bound 
)f Tentdos,or Claros, where he hears 
n hymns his praises from the sons of men, 
To i-eascends the high, Olyrapian seats: 
luch reverential homage on liis brow, 
)'ershading, softens his effulgent bloom 
iVitli loveliness and grace. The king receives 
rh" illustrious Thespian thus. ' My willing tongue 
iVould style thee Ditliyrambus. Thou dost hear 
Hi in thy aspect to become tliat name 
ilenown'd for worth and valour. O rtveal 
rhy birtli, thy charge. Whoe'er thou a^'my soul 
Desires to know thee,and would call th^ friend.' 

To him tlie youth. ' O bulwark of our Aveal, 
^y name is Dithyrarabus; which the lips 



2^ 

Of some benerolent some gen'rous friend- 
To thee have sounded in a partial strain, 
Arid thou hast heard with favour. In thy sight 
I stand, deputed by the Thespian chief, 
The Theban, Loerian, by the fam'd in war, 
Dioraedon, to hasten thy approach. 
Three days •will bring the hostile pow'rs in vie\t 

He said. The ready standards are uprear'd. 
By zeal enfove'd, till ev'ning shadows fall, 
The march continues, then by day-spving sweeps 
The earliest dews. The van, by Agis led, 
Displays the grisly face of battle roxigh 
With spears, obliquely trail'd in dreadful length 
Along th' indented way. Beside him march'd 
His gallant, Thespian host. The center boasts, 
Leonidas the leader, who retains 
The good Megistias near him. In the rear 
Dieneces commanded, who in charge 
Kept Menalippns, offspring of his friend, 
For these ins i ructions. ' Let thine ej'e, young nia» 
Dwell on the order of our varying march; 
As champaign, valley, mountain, or defile 
Require a change. The eastern tyrant thus 
Conducts not his Barbarians like the sands 
In number. Yet the discipline of Greece 
They will encounter feeble as the sands. 
Dash'd on a rock, and scatter'd in their fall.! 

To him th' enquiring youth. ' The martial treai^^ 
The flute's slow warble, both in just accord, 
Entrance my senses; but let wonder ask, 
Whj is that tender vehicle of sound 
Preferr'd in war by Spaxta? Other Greeks 
To more sonoroti&jnusic rush in fight'. 



'Son of my friend,^ Dieneees reioins, 
Well dost thou note. I praise thee . Sparta' g law 
^yith hujoaapQ passions, source of human woes, 



25 
Maintains perpetual strife*. 3h^ stergly curbs 
Our infant hearts, till jiassio?! yields its seat 
To princij^jal and onkr. Music too, 
By Spartans lov'd, is temper'd by the law ; 
Still to her j)laii suViservieut melts in notes, 
Whicli cool and sooth, not initate and w arm. 
Thus by habitual al)itiuence,ap}>iy'd 

. Toev'ry seitsf, suppressing natine'stire^. 
By niodes of duty, not by ardour sway'd, 

' O'ev eacli impetuous enemy abroad, 
At home o'er vice and pleasure we preA'aiL' 

'O might I merit a Lacoiiian "ame." 
The Arcanmn answer'd. \But explain, 
' What is the land, we traverse .■' What the hill, 
' Whose parted summit in a spacious void 
Admits a bed of clouds ? And gracious tell, 
' Whose are those suits of armour, which I see 
jl Borne by two Helots.' At the questions pleas'd , 
LDienecescontiiuies. ' Those belong 
I To Alpheus aiid his brother. Light of foot 
JThf y, disencumber'd. all at large precede 
iThis jiond'rous band. They guide a troop of slaves, 
Gur mjssile-weapou'd Helots, to observe. 
Provide, forewarn, and obstacles remove. 
I This tract is Phocis. 'I'hat divided hill 
Ills fam'd Parnassus. Thejice the voice divine 
"Was sent by Phoebus, summoning to death 
The king of Sparta, From liis fruitful blood 
EA crop will spring of victory to Greece.' 

And these three hundsetl high in birth and rank, 

i citizens of Sparta' ene.s the youth, 

I'They ad must bleed,' Dieneces subjoins, 
'/All witli tljeir leader. So the law decrees.' 

To him with earnest looks the gen'rous you^U. 
i'Wilt thou not place me in that gloiiotis hour 
€iose to thy buckler ? Gratitude will bvac,e 



26 
ThypupiPs arm to manifest the force 
Of thy instruction.' 'Menalippxis, no,' 
Returii'd tht; chief. 'JSot thou oi Spartan bi'eed, 
Nor call'd to perish. Tliou unwedded too 
Wouldst leave no race hehii d thee. Live to praise. 
Live to enjoy our solitary fall. 
Reply is needless. See, the sun descends. 
The army halts. 1 trust thee A\^th a charge, 
Soi! of Megistias. In my name command 
Th' attendant Helots to erect our camp. 
We pitch our tents in Locris.' Quick the youth 
His charge accomplish'd. From a gen'rous meal, 
Where at the call of Alpheus Locris show'r'd 
Her Amalthean plenty on her fric nds, 
The sated wamors soon in slumber lose 
The mejnory of toil. His watchful round 
Dieneces with Menalippus takes. 

The moon rode high and cleai*. Her light benign 
To their pleas'd eyes a rural dwelling shew'd, 
All unadorned , but seemly. Either side 
Was fenc'd by trees high-shadowing. The front 
Look'd on a crystal pool, by feather'd ti'ibes 
At ev'ry dawri frequented. From the springs 
A small redundance fed a sliallow brook, 
O'er siiioothi-st pebbles rippling just to wake, 
Not startle silence, and the ear of night 
Entice to listen ur.disturb'd. Around, 
The grass was cover'd by reposing sheep, 
Whose drowsy guard no longer bay'd the moon. 

Ihe warriors stopp'd, contemplating the seat 
Of rural quiet. Sudjlenly a swain 
Stejjs forth. His ting«>rs touch the breathing reed. 
Uprise the fleecy train. Each faithful dog 
Is rous'd. All heedful of the wonted sound 
Their kjvown conductor follow. Slow behind 
Th' observing ^^ arriors move Ei"e long tliey reach 
A broad aud verdant circie, thick enclos'd 



2r 

Witli bii'cljes straight and tall, whose glossy rind 

Is clad in silver froni Diana's car. 

The ground was liolj j and the central spot 

An altar bore to Pan. Beyond the orb 

Of screening trees th' external circuit swarm'd 

With sheep atid beeves, each neiglib'ring hamlet's wealth 

Collected. I'hither soon the swain arrived. 

Whom by the name of Meliboeus hail'd, 

A peasant throng surrounded. As their cKlef, 

He nigh the altar to his rural friends 

Address'd these words. ' O sent from diff'rent lords 

With contribution to die public wants, 

Time presses. God of peasants, bless our course ! 

Speed to tlie slow-pae'd ox, for once impart ! 

That o'er these vallies, cooi'd by dewy night, 

W^e to our summons true, ere noon-tide blaze, 

May join Oiieus, and his praise obtain.' 

He ceas'd. To rustic madrigals and pipes, 
Combin'd with bleating notes, and tinkling bells, 
With clamor shrill from busy tongues of dogs. 
Or hollow-sounding froiii the deep-mouth'd ox, 
Along the valley, herd and lioek are driv'n 
Succtssive, halting oft to harmless spoil 
Of iMow'rs and herbage, springing in their sight. 
While Meliboeus inarshaU'd with address 
TTtie incirensive host, unseen in shades 
Dieneces applauded, and the youth 
Of Menalit)puscaUtion'd. -Let no word 
Impede the careful peasant. On his charge 
Depends our welfare. Diligent and staid 
He suits his godlike master. Thou wilt see 
Tliat righteous hero soon. Now sleep demands 
Our debt to nature.' On a carpet dry 
Of moss, beneath a wholesome beech they lay, I 

Arm'd, as they were Iheir slumber short retires 
With night's last shadow. At their warning rous'd^ 
The trooi)s proceed. Th' actairing eye of j outh 



28 

In Menalippus caught the moniing rays 

To guide its travel o'er the landscape wide 

Of cultivated hillocks, dales and lawns, 

Where mansions, hamlets interpos'd ; where domes 

Rose to their gods through cor.secratcd shades. 

He then exclaims. 'U say, can Jove devote 

These fields to ravage, those abodes to flames ?' 

The Spartfui answers— 'Ravage, sword and fire 
Must be endur'd, as incideiital ills. '' 

Suffice it, these invaders soon, or late, 
Will leave this soil more fertile by their blood 
With spoils abundant to rebuild the fanes. 
Precarious benefits are these, thou seest. 
So fram'd by heav'n ; but virtue is a good, 
No foe caji spoil, and lasting to the grave.' 

Beside the public way an oval fount 
Of marble sparkled with a silver spray 
Of falling rills, collected froui above. 
The ariiiy halted, and their hollow casques 
Dipp'd va the limpid stream. Behind it rose 
An edifice, conipos'd of native roots, 
And oaken trunks of knotted girth unwrought. 
Within were beds of moss. Old, batter'd arms 
Hung from the roof. The curious chiefs approach. 
These words, engiaven on a tablet rude, 
Megistias reads ; the rest in silence hear. 
« Yon marble fountain, by Oileus plac'd, 
To thirsty lips in living waters flows ; 
For weary steps h.^ frau.'d this cool retreat; 
A grateftil ofF'rinc- here to rural peace, 
His dinted shitld. his hehuet he resign'd, 
O passenger, if born to noble deeds 
Thou wouldst obtain pei'petual grace from Jott* 
Devote thy vigour to heroic toils. 
And thy liecline to hospitable cares. 
Kest here ; then seek Oileusin his vale.' 



29 

'O Jove, burst forth I-eonidas, thy grace 
Is large and various. Length of days and bliss 
To him thou giv'st, to me a shorten'd terra, 
Nor yet less happy. Grateful we confess 
'riiy difTrent bounties, measured full to both. 
Come let us seekCikus in his vale.' 



The word is giv'n. The heavy phalanx moves. 
The li^ht-pac'd Helots long, ere mc iiing dawn'd, 
H.'id rcco imenc'd their progress. They o'ertook 
Blithe, Meli!)oeus in a spacious vale, 
The fruit^ullest in Locris, ere tlie sun 
St^^^P^ his uooii-tide beains. On either side 
A I^Bi^ scarce perceptibly ascends. 
Lu^^mnt vegetation crouds the soil 
With trees elose-ra. .g*d and .singling. Rich the loads 
Of native fruitage to the sight reveal 
Their vig'rous i.urture. There the flushing peach. 
The apple, citron, almond, pear and date, 
Pomegranates, purple raulbe riy, and fig, 
From interlacing branches mix their hues 
And scents, the piissenger's delight ; but leave 
In the mid-vale a pasture long and large, 
Exuberant in vivid verdure cropp'd 
By herds, by Hocks, iniann rous. Neighb'ring knoHs 
Are speckled o'er with cots, whose humble roofs 
To herdsmen, sheph.ids, and laborious hinds 
Once yielded rest unbroken, till the name 
Of Xerxes shook their quiet. Yet this day 
Was festive. Swains and damsels, youtli and ag^ 
Prom toil, from home enlarg'd, disporting, fiil'd 
Th'enliven'd meadow. Under ev'iy shade 
A hoary minstrel sat; the maidens danc'd; 
Flocks bleated; oxen lo\\ 'd; the horses neigh'd; 
AVith ioy the vale resounded; terror fled; 
Leonidas was nigh. The welcome news 
By Mfb'itens, hast'ning to his lord, 
W"as loudly told. Tlic Helots too appear'd. 
■»,Vhile withliis brother Alplieus thus discouiVd- 



30 

'In this fair valley old Oileus dwells 
The first of Lucrians, of Lacoiiia's state 
The public host. Yon large pavillions mark. 
Thej promise welcome. Thither let us bend, 
There tell our charge. ' This said, they both advaiieei, 
A hoary band receives therii. One, who seem'd 
In rank, in age superior, wav'd hi^^and 
To Meliboeus, standing near, and spake — 

'By this my faithful messenger 1 learn, 
That you are friends. Nor yet th' uivader's foot 
Ilath pass'd our confines. Else, o'ercastby time, 
jMy sight would scarce distinguisli friend, or foe^. 
A Grecian, or Barbarian.' Aipheus then — t*^^ 

'AVe come from Lacedsemon, of our king 
Leonidas forerunners.' 'Is lie nigh r' 
The cordial senior tenderly exclaims. 
'I am Oikus. Him a beardless boy 
I knew in Lacedsemon. Tm euty years 
Are since elaps'd. He scarce remembers me.- 
But I will feast him, as becomes my zeal. 
Him and Ms army. You, my friends, repose.' 

Tliey sit. He still discourses— 'Spartan guests, 
In me an aged soldier 3 ou behold. 
Froiu Ajax, fam'din Agamemnon's war, 
Oilean Aiax flows my vital stream, 
Unmix'd with his presumption, I have borne 
The highest functions in the Locrjan state. 
Not >vith dishonor. Self-dismiss'd, my age 
Hath in this valley on my own demesne 
,!Li>;'d tranquil, not recluse. My comrades thes?, 
bid magistrates and warriors like myself, 
Rekas'd from imblie care, with me retir'd 
To rural quiet. Through our last remains 
Of time in sweet garrulity we slide, 
Recounting pass'd achievements of our jirime J 
Nor wajqiting lib'ral means %r lib'^^1 deeds, 



31 

Hereljless'd, here blessing, we reside. These flocks, 
iliese herds and pastures; tliese our idim'rous hinds, 
And poverty, lience exil'd, iiiay divulg-e 
Our geneicus abundance. We can spread 
A biiikiuet for an army. By the state 
Ouce more entreated, we accept a cluirge, 
To age weU-suited. By our watchful care 
The goddess Plenty in your tents shall dwell.' 

He scarce had iinish'd, w li en the ensigns broad 
Of Lacedsemon's phalanx down the vale 
AVere seen to wave, unfolding at the sound 
Of flutes, soft-warbling in tli' e.xpressive mood 
Of Dorian sweetness, unadorn'd. Around, 
In notes of welcome ev'ry shepherd tun'd 
His sprightly reed. The damsels, shew 'd their haii'. 
Diversify'd with flowrets. Garlands gaj^, 
Rush-woven baskets, glowing with the dies 
Of amaranths, of jasmin, roses, pinks 
And violets they carry, tripping light 
Before ihe steps of grimly-feat ur'd Mars 
To blend the smiles of Flora with his frown. 
Leonidas they chaunt in silvan lays, 
Hiiii the defender of the meads and groves, 
Him more, than Pan, a guardian to their flocks, 
"While Philomela, in her poplar shade 
Awaken'd, strains her emulating throat, 
And joins with liquid trills the swelling sounds. 



hold, Oileus and his ancient train 
Accost Laconia's king, whose looks and Avords 
Confess remembrance of the Locrian chiefs 

'Thrice Mil! Oileus, Sparta's nolile host! 
I'hou art of old acquainted with her sons, 
Their laws, their manners. Musical, asbrave^ 
Train'd to delight in smooth Terpander's lay, 
In Alcman's Dorian measure, we enjoy 
lit thy melodious rale th' unlSibour'd strains 



• 



S2 

Of rural pipes, to nightingales attuned. 
Our hea It-felt gladness deenis the ;^ olden age 
Subsisting, where tliou govern'st. Still these tones 
Of ,oy continu'd may thy dwellings hear I 
Still may this plenty, unmolested, crown 
The favov'd district! May tliy rev'renddust 
Have peaceful shelter in thy father's tomb! 
Kind heav'n, that merit to ray sword im parti' 

'By joy uplifted, forth Oileus broke. 
Thou dost recal me then! O sent to guard 
These fruits from spoil, these hoary iocks from shame, 
Permit thy weary'd soldiers to partake 
Of Locrian plenty. Enter thou my tents, 
Thou and thy captains. I salute them all.' 

The hero full of dignity and years, 
Once bold in action, but plac'd now in ease, 
Ev'n by his look, benignly cast around, 
Gives lassitude relief. With native grace. 
With hear -c ffus'd complacency, the king 
Accepts the lib'ral welcome; while his troops, 
To relaxation and repast dismiss'd. 
Pitch on the wounded green their bristling spears. 

Still is the evening. Under chesnut shades 
%Vith interweaving poplars spacious stands 
A well-fram'd tent. There calm the heroes sit, 
The genial board enjoy, and feast the mind 
On sage discourse; which thus Oileus elos'd. 

'Behold, night lifts her signal to invoke' 
Ihat friendly god, who owns the drowsy wand. 
To Mercury this last libation flows. 
Farewel till morn.' They separate, they sleep 
All, but Oileus, who forsakes the tent. 
On Melibceus in these words he calls. 
•Approach my faithful friend-' To him the swain. 
'Thy llttidman hears thy call.' I^he chief replies 
Loud for the gath'ring peasanti'y to heed. 



33 

'Come, Meliboeus. it is surely time, 
That my repeated gift, the nakvie of friend 
Thou shouldst accept The uame of bondman wounds 
My ear. Be free. No longer, best of men, 
Reject that boon, nor let my feeble head, 
To thee a debtor, as to gracious heav'n, 
Descend and sleep unthankful in the grave. 
'Ihough yielding nature daily feels decay; 
Thou dost prevent all care. The gods estrange 
Pain from my pillow, have secur'd my breast 
From weeds too oft in aged soils profuse, 
From self-tormenting petulaiiee and pride, 
From jealousy and envy at the fame 
Of younger men. Leonidas will dim 
My former lustre, as that silver orb 
Outshines the meaiMJSt star; and I rejoice. 
O Meliboeus, these elect of Jove 
To certain deatli advance. Immortal pow'rs! 
How social, how endearing is their speech! 
How Sow in lib" ral cheerfvdness their heartsi 
To such a period verging, men like these 
Age well may envy, and that envy take 
The genuine shape of virtue. Let their span 
Of eartl)ly beings, v/hile it lasts, contain 
Each earthly jcy. Till bltss'd Elysium spread 
Her ever blooming, inexhausted stores 
I'o their glad sight, be mine the gx-atef ul task 
To drain my plenty. From the vatilte# caves 
Our vessels largt^ of well-fermented wine, 
From all our gran'ries lift the treasur'd corn. 
Go, load the groaning axles. Nor forget 
With garments new to greet Melissa's nymphs. 
To her a triple chaiige of vestments bear 
"With twent} lambs, and twenty SiiecLled kids. 
Be it your care, my peasants, sone to aid^ 
Him your director, otliers to seUct 
Five hundred o\en,thrici' a thousand sheep. 
Of lusty swains a thousand Let th' ..lorn, 
When first she blushes, see my will perform'd.' 
C 2 



34 
They heard. Their lord's injunctions to fulfil 
Was'their ambition. He, unresting, mounts 
A ready car. The coursers had enroll'd 
His name iu Isthmian and Nemeaii games. 
By moon-light, lioating on the splendid reins. 
He, o^er the busj vale intent, is borne 
From place to place, o'erlooks, directs, forgets 
I'hat he is old. Mean time the shades of night 
Retiring, wake Dienects. He gives 
The word. His pupil seconds. Ev'ry band 
Is arm'd. Day opens. Spaita's king appears. 
Oileiis greets hinit In his radiant car 
The senior stays reluctant; but his guest 
So wills, in Spartan i-everence to age. 
Then spake the Locrian. 'To assist thy camp 
A chosen band of peasants I detach. 
I tinist thy valour. Doubt not thou my care; 
Nor doubt that swain.' Oileus, sp ealviiig, look'd 
On Melibceus. Skilful he commands 
These hinds. 'Him wise, liim faithful I have prov'd 
More than Eumseus to Laertes' son. 
To him th' CEtsean woods, their devious tracks 
Aie known, each rill and fountain. Near the pass 
Two thousand Lociians wilt thou find encamp'dj 
My eldest boi}i their leader, Medon nam'd, 
Well-exercis'd in arras. My da ughter dwells 
On CEta. Sage Mehssa she is call'd, 
Er.lighten'd priestess of the tuneful nine. 
She haply may accost thee. Thou \\ ilt lend 
An ear. Not fruitless are Melissa's words. 
Now, servants, bring the sacred wine.' Obey'd, 
He, from liis seat uprising, thus pioceeds — 

'Lo! from this chalice a libation pure 
To Mars, to Grecian liberty and laws. 
To their protector, eleutherian Jove, 
To his nine daughters, who record the brave,' 
To thy renown, I^eonidas, I pour; 
And take an old man's benediction too^ 



35 

He slopp'J.' Affection, struggling in his hear^, 
Burst forth again. 'Illustrious guest, afford 
Another hour. I'hat slender space of time 
Yield to my sole possession. While the troops, 
Already ghtt'ring down the dewy vale, 
Filethrougu its narrow'd outlet; near my side 
Deign to lie carry'd, and my talk endure.' 

The king, well-pleas'd, asceiids . Slow move the steeds 
Behind the n ar. Oiieus grasps his hand, 
Then in the fulness of his soul pursues. 

'Thy veneration for Laconia's laws 
That I may strengthen, msiy to Capture warm, 
Hear me display the melancholy fruits 
Of lawless \^ ill. When o'er the Lydian plains 
Th'iiiiiumarable tents of Xerxes spread, 
His vassal, Pj thius, Mho in aMluent means 
Surpasses me, as that Barbarian prince 
Thou dost in virtue, enteitain'd the host, 
And prolfer'd all his treasinvs. These the king 
Kefusing, ev'n augmented from his own. 
An act of fancy, not habitual grace. 
A sparkling vapour through the regal gloom 
Of cruelty and pride. He now jirepar'd 
To march from Sardis, when with humble tears 
The good old man besoxiglit him. Let the king 
Propitious liear a parent. In thy ttain 
1 have five sons- Ah! leave my eldest bom, 
Tjiy future vassal, to sustain my age!' 
The tyrant fell reply'd. ' Presumptuous man , 
\'^ ho art my slave, in this tremendous war, 
Is not my person hazaixled, my race, 
My consort? Former merit saves from death 
'l?our of thy offsj)ring. Him, so dearly priz'd 
Thy folly hath destroy 'd. His body straight 
W is hewn asunder. By the jiublic way 
On either side a bleeding half was cast, 
And rniJIioiis pass'd between. O Spartan king^ 



36 

Taught to revere the sanctity of laws. 
The acts of Xerxes with thy own compare. 
His fame with thine. The curses of mankind 
Give him renown. He maiches to destroy, 
But thou to save. Behold the trees are bent, 
Each eminence is loaded thick with crouds, 
From cots, from ev'i*y hamlet pour'd abroad, 
I'o bless thy steps, to celebrate thy praise.' 

Oftimesthe king his decent brow inelin'd, 
Mute and obsequious to an elder's voice, 
Which through th' instructed ear, unceasing flow'd 
In eloquei ceaiid knowledge. Scarce an hour 
Was fled. The naiTow dale was left behind. 
A causeway broad disclos'd an ancient pile 
Of military fame. A trophy large, 
Compact with crested morions, taigets rude, 
With spears arid corselets, dimra'd by eating agOj 
Stood near a Jake pellucid, smooth, profound. 
Of circular expanse; whose bosom shew'd 
A green-slop'd island, figur'd o'er with flow'rs; 
And from its center lifting high to view 
A marble chapel, on the massy strength 
Of Doric columns rais'd. A full-wrought freeze 
Display'd the sculptor's art. In solemn pomp 
Of obelisks and busts, and storj'd urns, 
Sepulchral mansions of illustrious dead 
Were scatter'd round, o'ercast with shadows black 
Of yew and cypress. In a serious note 
Oileus, pointing, opens new discourse. 

♦Beneath yon turf my ancestors repose. 
Oilean Ajax singly was depiiv'd 
Of fun'ial honors there. With impious lust ' 
He stain'd Mir.cvva's temple. From the gulph 
Of briny waters by their god preserv'd, 
That god he brav'd. He lies beneatli a rock, 
By Neptune's trident in his wrath o'erturn'd. 
Shut from EI3 slum for a hundred years, 
The#ro's ghost hewail'd his oozy tomb. 



A race more pious on th' Oilean house 
FeBeity have drawn. To ev'iy god 
I owe my bliss, ]ny early fa.ae to Pan. 
Jnceoiithe margin of that silent pool 
n Their nocturnal camp Barbarians lay, 
\.%v aiting morn to violate the dead, 
My youth was fir'd. I summon'd from their cots 
V rustic host. We sacrific'd to Pan, 
Vi^ail'd lli' ungiianled ruffians in his name. 
He with his terrors smote their jieiding hearts. 
(ptOive surviv'd the fury of our swains, 
ieh was the pillage. Hence that trophy rose; 
Of costSy blocks constructed, hence that fane^ 
^i [nsciib'd to Paji th' armipotent. O king, 
I Be to an old man's vanity benign. 
This frowning emblem of terrific war 
Proclaims llie ardour and exploits of youth. 
1 his to barbarian strangers, ent'ring Greece, 
Shews, what I was. The marble fount, thou saw'st, 
Of living water, whose transparent flow 
Heliev'd thy march in yester sultry sun, 
The cell, which offer'd rest on beds of moss, 
Shew, what I am; to Grecian neighbours shew 
The hospitality of age. O age, 
'Where are thy graces, but in lib'ral deeds, 
In bland deportment? AVould thy furrow'd cheeks 
.'Lose the deformity of time? Let smiles 
Dwell in thy wrinkles. Then, rever'dby youth, 
Thy feeble steps will find' .... Abruptly here 
He paus'd. A manly warrior full in sight 
; Beside the trophy on his target lean'd, 
f Unknown to Sparta's leader, who address'd 
\ His rev'rend host. 'Thou pausest. Let me ask, 
' Whom do I see, resembling in his form 
A demigod?' In transport then the sage. 

'It is my 5pn, discover'd by his shield. 
Thy brave auxiliar, Medon. He sustains 
l^fy ancient honors iii his native statCj 



38 

"VVliIch kindly chose my offspring to veplace 

Thtii- long--sequester'd chief. Heart-winning guest! 

My life, a tide of joy, which never knew 

A painful ebb, beyond its wonted raark 

Flows in thy converse. Could a wish prevail, 

My long and happy course should finisii here.' 

The chariot rested. Medon now approach'd^ 
Saluting thus Leonidas. 'O king 
Of warlike Sparta, Xerxes' host in sight 
Begin to sjiread tlieir multitude, and fill 
The spacious Malian plain.' The king replies— 

'Accept, illustrious messenger, my thanks. 
With such a b ave assisttuit, as the son 
Of great Oileus, more assur'd I go 
To face those numbers. ' With his god-like friend 
The father, now dismounting from his car, 
Embraces Medon. In a sliding bark 
They all are wafted to the island fane, 
Erected by Oileus, and enrich 'd 
With his engrav'd achievements. Thence the eye 
Of Sparta's gen'ral in extensive scope 
Contemplates each battalion, as they wind 
Along the pool; whose limpid face reflects 
Their weapons, glist'ning in the early sun. 
Them he to Pan arniipotent commends. 
His favor thus invoking. 'God, whose pow'r 
By rumour vain, or Echo's emj)ty voice 
Can sink the valiant in desponding fear, 
Can disarray whole armies, saiile on th'^se, 
lliy worshippers. Thy own Arcadian's guard. 
Through tlxge Oileus triumplrd. On his son, 
On me look down. Our shields auxiliar join 
Against profane Barbarians, who insult 
The Grecian gods, and meditate thr fill 
Of this thy shrine.' He said, and now intent 
To leave die island, on Oileus call'd. 



39 
I >He/ Medon answev'd, 'by his joy and zeal 
iroobigli uausported, and discoursing long, 
I'Felt ou his diows> lids a bahuy down 
j Of heaviness descending. He, uninark'd 
vAniid thy pious commerce witJi the god, 
1 Was silently reiuov'd. The good old chief 
I Ou carpets, rais'd by tender, menial hands. 
Calm in the secret sanctuary is laid. 

Hishast'ning step Leonidas restrains, 
iThus fe« vent prays. 'O Maia's son, best pleased,, 
jiWlien calling shnnber to a virtuous eye, 
iWatcli o'er my venerable friend. Thy balm 
He wants, exhausted by his love to me. 
Sweet sleep, thou soft'nest that intrirding pang, 
iTWhich gen'rous breasts, so parting, must admit» 

He said, embark'd. relanded. To his side 
(iJivitiDg MedoB, he rt^oin'd the host. 




LEONID AS 

BOOK III. 



THE ARGUMENT. 

;-eoiiidas arrives at Thermopylae about iioon, on tae • 
fomtli day ^fter his depavliire from th<|.^ Isthjaus, 
He is received by Demophilus, the eointiiandcr of I 
'lliespia, and byAnaxander the Theban, ti-eachevous- 
lyreeomnieiidi)ig: Epialtes, a Malian, who seeks by 
a pompous description of the Persian power to intim- 
idate the Grecian leaders, as they are viewing the . 
jenemy's camp from the top of mount Oeta. He is 
answered by Diejieces and Dioraedon. Xerxes sends . 
Tigranes and PJnaortes to the Grecian camp, who ' ' 
are dismissed by Leonidas, and conducted back by ' 
Dithyrambus and Dioinedon ; Avhich last, incensed at ' 
the arrogance of Tigranes, treats hira with contempt 
and menaces. Tliis occasions a challenge to single ■; 
combat between Diomedou and Tigranes, Dithyram- 
bus and Phraortes. Epialtes alter a conference with 
Anaxander, declares his intention of returning to 
Xerxes. Leonidas dispatches Agis with Melibu?us, 
a faithful slaye of Oileus, and liigh in the estimation 
of liis lord, to view a botly of Phoeians, who had 
been jvosted at a distance from Thermopyla; for the 
defence of another pass iu mount Octa. 



LEONIDxiS. 



BOOK III. 



N< 



OW in the van Lc-onidas appears, 
'iili Mcdoii slili conferring. 'Hast thou heard/ 
e said, 'among; th' innuinerabk- foes 
Jiat chiefs arc inost tlistiiigiiish'd?' 'Might we trust 
ofanie, replj 'd the Locriaj:, Xerxes boats 
is ablest, bravest, counsellor ar.d chief, 
Artemisia, Caria's matchless queen. 
3 old Darius benefits had bound 
?r lord, herself to X^irxes. Not coinpell'd, 
\ce]>t by ii<aguaniniity, she leads 
tie best appointed squadron ol his fieet. 
fen^de softness Aiteniisia kisows, 
:ut in maternal love. Her wiilov/'d hand 
fith equity and firmness fur her sou 
Unsinisters the sway. Of Doric race 
ill she retains the spirit, v.hich from Gi-ecee 
er ancestors transplanted. Other chiefs 
re all Barbarians, little known to fame, 
ive oiie, whom Sparta hiitli hersself supply 'd, 
it less, than Demaratus, once her king, 
u exile now.' Leonidas rejoins. 

" Son of Oileus, like thy father wise, 
.ike him jiartake my confidence. 'Ihy words 
ecu] a?) sera, sad'iiing all my thoughts, 
that injur'd Spaitan shar'd the regal sway 
ith one— Alas! my brother, eldest born, 
fnbless'd by nature, favoi'd by no god, 
fleoraeiies. Insanity of mind, 
ilalisrtant passions, impious acts deform'd 
[Llifi, concluded by his own fell hand. 
I^gttinst liis colleague.tiivious he siibonr* 



44 

' Leutyeliides, Hira perjury and fraud 
Plac'd on the seat, by Demaratus held 
Unstaiu'd in lustre.' Here Oileus' son— 

' My future sendee only can repay 
Thy confidential friendship. Let us close 
The gloomy theme. Theriiiopylse is nigh.' 
Each face in transport glows. Now fEtarear'd 
His tow'ring forehead. With impatient steps 
On rush'd the phalanx, sounding pseans high; 
As if the present deity of fame 
Had from the summit shewn her dazzli'og form, 
With wreaths unfading on her temples bound, 
Her adamantine trumpet in her hand 
To celebrate the valour. From the van 
Leonidas advances like the sun, 
When through dividing clouds his presence stays 
Their sweeping rack, and stills the clam'rous windi 
The army sileiit halt. Their ensigns fan 
The air no longer. Motionless their spears. 
His eye reveals the ardour of his soul, 
Which thus finds utt'rance from his eager lips— 

' All hail! Thermopylse, and you, the pow'i's, 
Presidii!g here. All hail! ye silvan gods, 
Ye fountain nymphs, who send 3 our lucid tills 
In broken murmurs down the rugged steep. 
Receive us, O benignant, and support 
■^I'he cause of Greece. Conceal the secret paths, 
Which o'er these crags, and through these forests wii 
Untrod by human feet, and trac'd alone 
By your immortal footsteps. O defend 
Your own recesses, nor let impious war 
Profane the sdemn silence of your groves. 
Tlien on your hills your praises shall you hear 
From those, whose tleeds shall tell th' approving worl 
That not to ui ideserv'ers did ) e grant 
Your high protectio .. Von my valiant finends, 
Now rouse the gen'rous spirit, which inflames 



45 

I'jnr hearts; exert the vigour of your arms; 
* hilt ill the bosoms of the brave and free 

juv meniomble acticiis maj' survive; 

n sound delightful in the ear of time, 

as blue KepiWie beats the Alaliaii strandj 

11- Uiose tall clifts erect their shaggy tops 
)ucar to lieav'u,your mouimicnts of fame!' 

1 As in some torrid region, whei*e the bead 

f Ceres bends beneath her golden load; 

i'from a burning brand a scatttr'd si)ark 

tvade tht parching giound", a sudden blaze 

wee ])S o'er the crackling chamiJaigii: through his host' 

iot with less sMifti\ess to the furthest ranks 

fhe v'ords of great Leonidas difFu^'d 

. more than mortal fervour. Ev'ry heart 

♦isiei:ds with thoughts of glory, such as raise 

Tic patnot's virtue, and the sokUer*s fire; 

ifhen danger most tremeiidous in his form 

eems in their sight most lovely. On theirniiuds 

niagii'ation pietui-es all the scenes 

if war. the purple field, the hei>ijs of dead, 

The glitt'ring trophy, pil'd with Persian arms. 

But lo! the Grecian leaders, who before 
Verc station 'd near ThermopylsK, salute 
'jsconia's king. 1 he Thespian chief, ally'd 
To Dithyrambus, first the silence breaks, 
\n ancient warrior. From behind his casque^ 
'Vhose crested weight his aged temples bore, 
irhe slender hairs, all-silver'd o'er by time, 
Tlovv'd venerably down. He thus began— 

' Joy now shall crown the period of miy dayij; 
ii.r;d whether nigh my father's urn I sleep; 
Or. slain by Persia's sword, embrace: the eaitb, 
Oui cormiion parent; be it, as the gods 
Shall t < St determine, t^or the present hour 
I ble&s tlieir bounty, which hath giv'n my age 



m 

46 
To see the brave Leonidas, and bid 
That hero vvelcoine on this glorious shore 
To fix the basis of tlie Grecian weal.'— 

Here too the crafty Anaxander spake— 
'Of all the Thebans we, rejoicing, hail 
Ihe king of Sj)arta. We obey'd his calh 
O may oblivion o'er the shame of Thebes 
A dark'ning veil extettd! or those alone 
By fame be curs'd, whose impious counsels turn 
Their countrymen from virtue! Thebes was sunk. 
Her glory bury'd in dishonest sloth. 
To wake her langour gen'rous Aipheus came, 
The messejiger of freedom. O accept 
Our grateful hearts, thou Aipheus, art the cause, 
That Anaxander from his native gates 
Not single joins this host, nor tamely these, 
My chosen friends, behind their walls remain. 
<P,^8 . Enough of words. Time presses. Mount, ye chiefsjs 
%""';-■ This loftifst part of GEta. This o'erlooks 

The streights, and far beyond their northern mouth 

Extends our sight across the '.Jalian plain. 

Behold the native, Epialtes call'd. 

Who with a foe from Thraciu's bounds hath march'dvi 

Disguis'd in seeming worth, he ended here. 
The camp not long had Epialtes reacb'd, 
By race a Malian. Eloqueiit his tongue, 
His heart was false and abject. He was skill'd 
To grace perfidious counsels, and to clothe 
In swelUng phrase tiit- baseness of his soul. 
Foul nurse of treasons. To the tents of Greece 
Himself a Greek, a faithless spy he came. 
Soon to the friends of Xerxes he repair'd. 
The Theban chiefs, and nightly councils held 
How to betray the Spartans, or deject 
By consternation. Up the arduous slope 
With him each leader to the summit clijubs. 
'rhenco a tremendous prospect tliey command. 



4^- 
'here endless plains, by white pavilions hidj 
jj ead like the vast Atlantic, when on shore, 
rock, no promontary stops the sight 
uboiincled as it waiiders; while the jnoon, 
espleiident eye of night, in fullest ovb 
irveys th' intenninate expanse, and tln-ows 
er rays abroad to deck in snowy light 
lie daiicitjf^ billows. Such was Xerxes' camp; 
jjow'r uniivall'd by the mightiest king 
'fiercest conqu'ror, whose blood-thirsty pride, 
issolving all the sacred ties, which bind 
he happiness of nations, hath upcall'd 
lu; sleeping fury, Discord, froiii lier den. 
jt from the hundred brazen gates of Thebes, 
lie to\\''rs of Memphis, and those pregnant fieklsj 
Qiich'd by kindly Nile, such avraies swauu'd 
round Sesostris; who with trophies fill 'd 
lie vanquish'd east, who o'er the rapid foam 
"distant I'anais, o'er the siu'face broad 
i" Ganges sent his formidable name, 
jr yet in Asia's far extended bounds 
er met sucli numbers, not when Ninus led 
h' Assyrian race to conquest. Not the gates 
■ Babylon along Euphrates pour 'd 
ich myriads arm'd; when eniiityiiig all her streets, 
lie rage of dire iiemiramis they bore 
jyond the Indus; there defeated, left 
is blood-stain'd current turbid with their dead. 

Yet of the chiefs, contemplating this scene, 
Dt one is shaken. Undismay'd they stand; 
li' immeasurable camp with fearless eyes 
iiey traverse: while in meditation near 
lie treach'rOus Malian waits, collecting all 
IS pomp of words to paint the hostile pow'r; 
)r jxjt with falsehoood arms his fraudful tongne 
9 feign a tale of terror. Truth herself 
;yond the reach of fiction to enhance 
»w aid-i his treasoji, and with cold dismay 




• 48 
Might pierce the boldest heart, unless seeui'd 
By dauntless virtue, which disdains to live 
From liberty divorc'd. Requested soon, 
He breaks his artful silence. 'Greeks and frienU: 
Can I behold my native Malian fields, 
Presenting hostile millions to your sight, 
And not in grief suppress the horr'd tale, 
Which you exact from these iil-oinen'd lips. 
On Thracia's sea-beat verge I wntcli'd the foes; 
Where, >oiuing Europe to the Asian strand. 
A Uiiglity bridge restvain'd tb' outrageous waves, 
And stemm'd th' impetuous current: while in an 
The universa. progeny of men 
Seem'd trampling o'er the subjugated flood 
By thousands, by ten thousands. Persians, Med< 
Assyrians, Saces, Indiaiis, sw arthy files 
Frojn iSthiopia. --Egypt's tawny sons, 
Arabians, Ractrians, Parthiaus, all the strength 
Of Asia, and of Libya. Neptune groaii'd 
Beneath their number, and indignant heav'd 
His neck against th' incumbei.t wf iglit. In vaia 
The violence of Eurus and the Nortli, 
With rage combin'd, against th' unyielding pile 
Dash'd half the Hellespont. The eastern world 
Sev'n days and niglits uninterrupted pass 
To cover I'hracia's regions. They accept 
A Persian lord. They range their hardy race 
Beneath his standards. Macedonia's youth, 
The brave Thessalian horse with ev'ry Greek, 
Who dwells beyond Thermopyl*, attend. 
Assist a foreign tyrant. Sire of Gotls, 
"V, ho in a moment by thy will supreme 
Canst quell the mighty in their proudest hopes, 
Canst raise the weak to safety, Oh! impart 
Thy instant succour! Interpose thy arm' 
With lightning blast their standards! Oh! confound 
With tripple-bolted tliunder .\sia's tent, 
Whence rushing millions by the morn will pour 
An inundation to o'erwhelm tlje Greeks. 



49 

Resistance else were vain against a host, 
Wliich overspreads Thessalia. Far beyond 
Tliat Malian cliainpaigii, stretcliing wide below, 
Beyond the utmost measure of the sight 
I'rom (his asj)iring clilf, the hostile camp 
Contams yet mightier numbers; wlio have drain 'd 
The beds of copious rivers with their thirst, 
Who with tlieir arrows hide the mid-day sun.' 

'Then we shall give them battle in the shade, 
Dieneces reply'd. Not calmly thus 
Diomedon. On Persia's camp he bent 
His low'ring brow, wliirh fiowns had furrow'd o'er, 
Then fierce exclaiiu'd. Bellona, turn and view 
With joyful eyes that field, the fatal stage, 
By regal madness for thy rage prepar'd 
To exercise its horrors. WJiet thy teeth, 
Voracious death. All Asia is tliy prey. 
Contagion, famine, and the Grecian sword 
For tliy insatiate hunger will provide 
V^ariety of carnage.' He concludes; 
Wliile on the host immense his cloudy brow 
[s lix'd disdainful, and their strength defies. 

Mean time an eastern herald down the pass 
Was seen, slow-moving tow'rds the Phocian walL 
From Asia's monarch delegated, came 
Tigranes and Phraortes, From the liill 
Leonidas conducts th' impatient chiefs. 
By them environ'd in Ins tent he sitsj 
Where thus Tigranes their attention calls. 

'Amassadors from Persia's king we stand 
Before you, Grecians. To display the pow'r 
3f our great master M'ere a needless task* 
rhe name of Xerxes, Asia's mighty lord, 
;nvincible, exalted on a throne, 
Surpassing human lustre, must have reach'*! 
To ev'r y clime and ev'ry heart irapress'd 
iVitli aAve, and low submission. Yet I swear 
D 



50 

By yon refulgent, orb which flames above, 
Tlie glorious symbal of eternal pow'r, 
This military throng, this shew of war 
"Well nigh persuade me, you have never heard 
- That name, at whose commanding somid the banks 
Of Indus tremble, and the Caspian wave, 
Th' .Egyptian flood, the Hellespontic surge 
Obedient roll. O impotent and rash! 
Whom yet the large beneficence of heav'n. 
And heav'nly Xerxes, merciful and kind, 
Deign to preserve. Resign your aims. Disperse 
All to your cities. There let humblest hands 
With earth and water greet yourdestin'd lord.' 

Ajs througli th' extensive grove, whose leafy boughs 
Entwining, crown some eminence with shade, 
The tenjpests rush sonorous, and between 
The crashing branches roar; by fierce disdain, 
By indignation thus the Grecians rous'd, 
In loudest clamour close the Persian's speech; 
But ev'ry tongue was hush'd, when Sparta's king^ 
This brief reply deliver'd from his seat. 

' O Persian, vv hen to Xei-xes thou return'st, 
Say, thou hast told tlie wonders of his pow'r. 
Then say, thou saw'st a slender band of Greece, 
Which dares his boasted millious to the field.' 

He adds no more. Th' ambassadoi's retire. 
Them o'er the limits of tlie Grecian lines 
Pioioedon and Thespia's youth conduct. 
In slow solemnity they all proceed, 
And sullen silence; but tlieir looks denote 
Far more, than speech could utter. Wrath contracts 
The forehead of Diomedon. His teeth 
(inasli with impatience of delay 'd revenge. 
Disdain, w lucli sprung from conscious merit, flu&li'd 
The chetk of Dithyrambus. On the face 
Of either Persian arrogance, inceiis'd; 



51 

By disappointment, lour'd. The utmost stmit 

They now attain'd, which open'd on the tents 

Of Asia, there discov'ring wide to view 

Her deep, imniense arrangement. Then the heart 

Of vain Tigranes, swelling at the sight, 

Thus ovei*fiows in loud and haughty phrase.;- 

'O Arimanius, origin of ill, 
Have we demanded of thy ruthless pow'r 
Thus with the curse of madness to afflict 
These wretched men? But since thy dreadful ire 
To irresistible perdition dooms 
The Grecian race, we vainly should oppose. 
Be thy dire will accomplish'd. Let them fall, 
Their native soil be fatten'd with their blood.' 

Enrag'd, the stern Diomedon replies. 
'^Thou base dependaut on a lawless king. 
Thou purple slave, thou boaster, dost thou know, 
That I beheld the Marathonian field? 
"Where like.the Libyan sands before the wind 
Yourhost was scatter'd by Athenian spears; 
Where thou perhaps by ignominious llight 
Didst from this arm protect thy shiv'rii>g limbs« 
O let me find thee in to-morrow's fight] 
Along this rocky pavement shalt thou lie 
To dogs a banquet.' With uplifted palms 
Tygranes then. 'OmniiJOtent support 
Of scejjter'd Xerxes, Horomazes, hear! 
To thee his first victorious fruits of war 
Thy worshipper devotes, the gory spoils, 
Which from this Grecian by the rising dawn 
In sight of either host my strength shall rend?- 

At length Phraortes,interi)osing, spake. 
"I too would find among the Grecia;- chiefs 
One, who in battle dares abides my lance»' 

'The gallant youth of Thcspia swift reply'dj 
Thou ?pok'st on me, O PersiaPt Worthier fat 



52 

Thou mijflit'st have singled from the ranks of Greetc, 
Not one riore willing to essay thy force. 
Yes, I will prove before the eye of Mars, 
How far the prowess of her meanest chief 
Beyond thy vaunts deserves the palm of fame.' 

Tliis said, the Persians to their king repair, 
Back to their camp the Grecians. There they find 
Kach soldier, poising his extended spear, 
His weighty buckler bracing on his ann 
In warlike preparation. Through the files 
Each leader, moving vigilant, by praise. 
By exhortation aids their native warmth. 
Alone the Theban Anaxander pin'd, 
■\Vho thus apart his ISIalian friend bespake. 

'What has thy lofty eloquence avail'd, 
Alas! in vain attempting to confound 
The Spartaji valour? With redoubled fires, 
See, how their bosoms glow. Tliey wish to die 
They ^^'ait impatient for th' unequal fight. 
Too soon th' insuperable foes will spread 
Promiscuous havoc round, arid Thebans share 
The doom of Spartans. Through the guarded pas? 
Wlio « ill adventure Asia's camp to reach 
In our behalf? That Xerxes may be wam'd 
To spare his friends amid the gen'ral wreck; 
Wljen his high-swoln resentment like a flood, 
Increas'd by stormy show'rs, shall cover Greece 
With desolation.' Epialtes here. 

'Whence, Anaxander, this unjust despaii'? 
Is there a path on OEta's hills unknown 
To Epialtes? Over trackless rocks. 
Through mazy woods my secret steps can pas?- ^ 
Farewel. T go. ITiy merit shall be told 
To Persia's king. Thou only watch the hour: 
When wanted most, thy ready succour lend.' 

Mean time a M'ary. comprehensive care 
To ev*ry part Leoni(l«s extends; 



53 
As in the human frame tlirough ev'ry v^iu 
And avUry minute, the rvilhig' heart 
Its vital pow'rs disperses. In his tent 
The prudent chief of Locris;he consults, 
He summons Meliboeus by the voice 
Of Agis. In humility not mean, 
By no iniseemly ignorance dtpress'd, 
Th' ing'enuous s^\'a5n, bj' all th' illustrious housft 
Of AJaxhopor'd, bo v.s before he king, 
Who gracious spake— 'The confidence bestow'd. 
The praise by sage Oileus might siifrice 
'I'o verify thy worth. Myself have watcli'd. 
Have found thee skilful, active and discreet. 
Thou kuow'st the region round. With Agis go. 
The upper streights, the Phocian camp explore.'' 

'O condescension, Meliboeus then, 
More ornamental to the gi-eat. than gems, 
A j)iirple robe, or diadem! The king 
Accepts my service. Pleasing is my task. 
Spare not thy servant. Exercise my zeal. 
Oileus will rejoice, and, smiling, say. 
An humble hand may sjuooth a hero's path.' 

He leads the way, while Agis, following, spake. 
'O swain, distinguish 'd by a liberal mind, 
Who were thy parents? Where thy place of birth?' 
■What chaiice depriv'd thee of a father's house.' 
Oileus sure thy liberty would grant. 
Or Sparta's king solicit for that grace; 
When in a station equal to tliy worth 
Thou mayst be rankM.'— The prudent hind began.^ 

'In diff 'rent stations different virtues dwell, 
All reaping ditT'rent benefits. The great 
In dignity and honors n:!eet reward 
For acts of bounty, and lieroic toils: 
A servant's merit is obedience, truth, 
ridelityihis reeoinjpense coatent. 



84^ 

Be not offended at my words, O cbief. 
They, who are free, with envy may behold 
This bondman of Oileus. To Ms trust, 
His love exalted, I by nature's pow'r 
" From his pure model could not fail to mold 
What, thou entitlest lib'ral, Whence I came, 
Or who my parents, is to me unknown. 
In childhood seiz'd by robbers, I was sold. 
They took their price. They hush'd th' atrocious deed. 
Dear to Oileus and his race I throve; 
And whether noble, or ignoble bom, 
I am contented, studious of their love 
Alone. Ye sons of Sparta, I admire 
Your acts, your spirit, but confine my own 
To their condition, happy in my lord, 
Himself of men most happy.' Agis bland 
Rejoins. 'O born with talents to become 
A lot more noble, which, by thee ref us'd, 
Thou dost the more deserve! Laconia's king 
Discerns thy merit through its modest veil. 
Consummate prudence in thy words I hear. 
Long may contentment, justly priz'd,be thine. 
But should the state demand thee, I foresee. 
Thou wouldst like others in the field excel, 
Wouldst share in glory.' Blithe return'd the swain. 

'Not ev'ry service is confin'd to arms. 
Thou shah behold me in my present state 
Not useless. If tlie charge, Oileus gave, 
1 can accomplish, meriting his praise. 
And thy esteem, my gloi7 will be full.' 

Both pleas'djin converse thus pursue their way, 
Whei-e (Eta lifts her summits huge to heav'n 
In rocks abrupt, pyramidal, or tower'd 
Like castles. Sudden from a tufted crag, 
Where goats are browsing, Meliloeus hears 
A call of welcome. There his cpurse he stays. 



LEONIDAS 

BOOK IV. 



THE ARGUMENT. 

Tigranes and Phraortes repair to Xerxes, whom tiiey 
find seated on a throne, surrotmded by his Satraps, in 
a magiiifieent pavilion; while the IVlagi stand before 
lain), and sing a hymn, containing the I'eligion of Zo- 
roastres Xerxes, notwithstandiirg the arguments of 
Lis brothers, Hyperanihes and Abrocorces, gives no 
credit to the ambassadors,who repoit,that theGvecians 
■are determined to maintain tlie pass against him; 
but by the advice of Artemisia, the queen of Cariaj 
ascends his chariot to take a view of the Grecians 
himself, and commajids Demaratus, an exiled king 
of Sparta, to attend him. He passes tln-ough the 
midst of his arraj, consisting of many nations, dif- 
fering in arms, customs and manners. He advances 
to the entrance of the straits, and, surprised at the 
behaviour of the Spartans, demands the reason of it 
from Demaratus; wiiich occasions a conversation be- 
tween them on the mercenary forces of Persia, and 
the militia of Gi-eece. Demaratus, weeping at the 
sight of his countrymen, is comforted by Hyperan- 
thes. Xerxes, still incredulous, cojiimands Tigranes 
and Phraortes to bring the Grecians bound before 
him next day; and retires to his pavilion. Artemisia 
remains behind Mith her son, and communicates to 
Hyi>eva3,thes her apprel.ensions of a defeat at Ther- 
niopylce. She takes an accurate view of tlie pass, 
diuses a convenient place for an ambuscade, and on 
her departure to ihe Persian camp is surprised by a 
jepvool" from a woman of an awful appearance on 
n cliff of mount Oeta. 



JLEOr^ID.m 



BOOK IV. 

J. HE plain beyond Thern.opylfe is girt 
Half I'ouiid 1>y inountaiiis, half by Neptune Ii«r^tl>: 
The arduous vidge is broken deep in clefts, 
Which open channels to pellucid slreams 
In rapid flow sonorous. Chief;-^!!! fame 
Spercheos, boasting- once Ms poplars tall, 
I'oains down a stony bed. Tlirougliout the ftice 
Of this broad champaign numberless are pitch'd 
Barbarian tents. Alono; the winding flood 
To rich Thessalia's confines they extend. 
They iiU the vallies, late profusely bless'd 
In nature's ^ary'd beauties. Hostile spears 
Now bristle Ijorrid through her languid shrubs'; 
Pale die her flowrets under barb'rous feet. 
Embracing iry fi'oni its rock is tora. 
The lawn, dismantled of its verdure, fades. 
The poplar groves, uprooted from the banks. 
Leave desolate the stream. Elaborate domes, 
To heaven devoted in recesses green, 
Had felt rude force, insensible and blind 
To elegance and art. The statues, busts, 
'I'hetigur'd vases mutilated, lie 
"With chisel'd columns, their engraven freeze, 
Their architrave and coruiee, all disjoin'd. 

Yetujii)olluted, is a part reserv'd 
In this deej) vale, a patrimonial spot 
Of Aleuadian princes,, who, allies 
To Xerxes, reig..'d in Thessaly. There glow 
Inviolate the shrubs. There branch thetrees 
Sons of the ibrest. Overdov.ny mosr. 
f^mooth Avalks and fragrant, iueid here and bXo^i 
D 3 



58 
There clos'd in myrtle under woodbine roofs, 
AVind to retreats delectable, to grots, 
To silvan sti'uetures, bow'rs, and cooling dells, 
Enliven 'd all and musical with birds 
Of vocal sweetness, in reluctent plnmes 
Innumerably various. Lulling falls 
Of liquid crystal from perennial founts 
Attune their pebbled channels. Here the queen, 
The noble dames of Persia, here the train 
Of i-oyai infants, each with eunuch guards, 
In rich pavilions, dazzling to the sight, 
Possess'd, remote from onset and surprise, 
A tranquil station. Ariana here, 
Ill-destin'd princess, from Darius sprung. 
Hangs, undelighted, o'er melodious rills 
Her drooping foreliead. Love-afflicted fau'I 
All inharmonious are the feather'd choirs 
To her sad ear. From flow'rs, and florid plants 
To her the breezes, wafting fresh perfumes, 
Transmit no pleasure. Sedulous in vain, 
Her tender slaves in harmony with lutes 
Of soothing sound their warbled voices blend 
To ehann her sadness. This, the precious pait 
Of Asia's camp, Artuchus holds in charge, 
A satrap, long experienc'd, who presides 
O'er all the regal palaces. High i*ank'd, 
Bold, resolute and faitliful, he commands 
The whole Sperchean vale. In prospect rise 
The distant navy, dancing on the foam, 
Th' unbounded camp, enveloping the plain, 
With Xerxes' tent, august in structure plac'd 
A central object to attract the eyes 
Of subject millions. Thither now resort 
Tigranes and Phraoites. Him they find 
Ipclos'dby princes, by illustrious chiefs, 
The potentates of Asia. Near his side 
Abrocromes and Hyperanthes wait, 
His gallant brothers, with Mavseus brave, 
Pandates, Intapbernes, mighty lords. 



59 

Their sceptre'd master from his radiant seat 
Looks down imperious. So the stately tow'r 
Of Behjs, mingling its majestic brow 
With heav'n's bright azure, from on high survey'd 
The huge extent of Babylon, Avith all 
Her sumptuous domes and palaces beneatlv 
This day Ms bannei's to unfurl in Greece 
I'lie monarch's will decides ; but first ordains, 
I'hat grateful hymns should celebrate the name 
Of Horomazes ; So the Persians call'd 
I'lie world's great author. Rob'd in purest wliite, 
riie Magi rang'd before tli' unfolded tent- 
Fire blaz'd beside tliem. Towr'ds the sacred flame 
They turn'd , and sent their tuneful praise to heav'n. 

From Zoroastres was the song deriv'd, 
"Who on the hills of Persia from his cave, 
By flow'rs environ'd, and melodious founts. 
Which sooth'd the solemn mansion, had reveal 'd, 
How Horomazes, radiant source of good, 
Original, immortal fram't} the globe 
In fruitfulness and beauty; how with stars 
By him the heav'ns were spangles; how the sun, 
Refulgent Mithra, purest spring of light, 
And genial warmth, whence teeming nature smiles, 
Burst from the east at his creating voice; 
When straight beyond tlie golden verge of day 
Night shew'd the horrors of her distant reign, 
Where black and hateful Arimanius frowu'd 
The author foul of evil: how with shades 
From his dire mansion he deform'd the works 
Of Horomazes, tuni'd to noxious heat 
The solar beam, that foodful earth might parch, 
That streams, exhaling, might forsake their beds, 
Whence pestilence and famine: how thepow'r 
Of Horomazes in the human breast 
Bei'cvolence and equity infus'd, 
Truth, temperar cc, and wisdom sprung frojnheuv' 
When Ai'inianius blacken'd ati the soul 



60 

Witli falshoodand injustice, with desires 

Insatiable, with violence and rage, 

Malignity and folly. If the hand 

Of Horomazes on precarious life 

Sheds wealth and pleasure; swift th' infernal god 

With wild excess, or av'rice blasts the joy. 

Thou Horomazes, victory dost give. 

Ey thee with fame the re.sral head is crown'd. 

Great Xerxes owns thy succour. When in storms 

The hate of direful Arimanius swell'd 

The Hellespont; thou o'ei its chafing ')reast 

The destin'd master of the world didst lead 

This day his promis'd glories to enjoy: 

When Greece affrighted to his arm shall bend; 

Ev'n as at last shall Ai-imanius fall 

Before thy might, and evil be no more- 

The Magi cebs'd their harmony. Behold, 
JFi'om her tall ship between a double row 
Of naval warriors, while a golden ray 
Shoots frorahev standard, Artemisia laads- 
In her enrich 'd accoutrements of war. 
The full-wrouglit buckler, and high-crested helm. 
In Caria first devis'd, across the beach 
Her t w'rii.g form advance % So the pine, 
From Taurus hewn mature in spivy pride, 
]Srow by the sailor in its canvass wings 
Voluminous, aud dazzling pendants dress'd, 
On Artemisia's own imperial deck 
Is seen to rise, and overtop the grove 
Of crouded masts surrounding. Iii her heart 
Deep scorn of courtly counsellors she bore, 
Who fill with Impious vanity their king, 
As when he lash'd the Hellespont with rods, 
Amid the billows cast a golden chain 
To fetter Neptune Yet her brow severe 
Unbent its rigour often, as she glanc'd 
On her young son, who, pacing near in arms 
Of Cavian guise, proportion'd to his years, 



61 

|lj(X)k''d up, aridwaken'd by repeated smites 

!M;iteriial fondness, melting in that eye, 

"Wliieh seowl'd on purple flatterers. Her seat 

A t'le riglit hand of Xerxes slie assumes, 

r.i iud; Avhile in adoration bow'd 

i is;ranes and Phraortes. Prone they lay, 

Across their foreheads spread their senile palijis, 

As frojn a present deity, too brij^ht 

Foi- mortal Aision, to conceal their eyes. 

At lengtli in abject phrase Tigranes thus~ 

' O Xerxes, live for ever! Gracious lord, 
Who dost permit thy servants to approach 
Why awful sig-ht, and prostrate to confess 
(Thy majesty and radiance. May the pow'r 
Df Horomazes stretch thy regal arm 
O'er endless nations from the Indian shores 
iTo those wide floods, wliieh beat Ibeiian Strang,?, 
From northern Tanais to the source of Nile! 
Still from thy head may Arimaniusbend 
Idgainst thy foes his malice! Yonder Greeks, 
IWready smit with frenzy by his wrath, 
Reject thj profer'd clemency. They choose 
To magnify thy glory by their fall.' 

' The monarch, turning to his brother, spake^ 
%y, Hyperanthes, can thy sonl believe 
[These ridings? Sure these slaves have never dar'd 
To face the Grecians, but to delude our ears 
VVitli base impostures, which their fear suggests.' 

He frown'd, and Hyperanthes calm replyy. 
O from his servaiits -.jjay the king avo t 
His indignation! Greece was fam'd of old 
For martial spirit, and a dauntless breed. 
il once liave ti-y'd their valor. To my words 
ift.brocomes can witness. When,thy sire 
A.nd ours, Darius, to Athenian shores 
With Artaphenies brave and Datis sent 



63 

Oui" tender youth; at "Marathon we fornij, 
How weak the hope, that numbers coiikl dismay 
A foe, resolv'd on victory, or death. 
Yet not, as one contemptible, or base, 
Let me appear before thee. Though the Greeks 
With such persisting courage be endu'd. 
Soon as the kin|r shall summon to the field, 
He shall behold me in the daug'roiis van 
Exalt my spear, and pierce tlie hostile ranks, 
Or sink beneath them.' Xerxes swift rtyoin'd™ 

' Why over Asia, and the Lybian soil 
W'ith all their nations doth my potent arm 
Extend its sceptre? Wherefore do 1 sweep 
Across the earth with millions in ray train? 
Why shade the ocean with unnumher'd sails? 
V/hyall this pow'r, unless th' Almighty's will 
Decreed one master to the subject world; 
And that the earth's extremity alone 
Should bound ray empire? He for this reduc'd 
The Nile's revolted sons , enlarg'd my sway 
Witli sandy Libya, and the sultry clime 
Of .Ethiopia. He for this subdu'd 
The Hellespontic foam, and taught the sea 
Obedience to my nod. Then dream no more, 
That heav'n, deserting ray imperial cause, 
With courage, more than human , will inspire 
Yon despicable Grecians, and expunge 
The common fears of nature from their breasts.* 

The inonaroh ceas'd. ' Abrocomes began. 
The king commands us to reveal our tlioughts. 
Incredulous he hears. But time and ti-uth 
Not Horomazes can arrest. ITiy beams 
To instant light'ning, Mithra, ma\st thou change 
For njy destruction; iiay th' oftended king 
yrown on his servant, cast a loathing eye; 
If the assertion of my lips be false: 
Ouv further luaieU those Greaians will oppose.' 



Amid th' encircling peers Arjyestes sat, 
V potent prince. O'er Sipylus he reign'd, 
A'hose verdant summits overlook'd the waves 
)f Hermus and Pactolus. Either stream, 
i;!iii(h'd by golden sands, a tribute pay'd 
To vliis great Satrap. Through the servile court 
fe! none was found more practic'd in the arts 
)!' mean submission; none more skiil'd to gain 
lilt' royal favor; none, who better knew 
The phrase, the look, the gesture of a slave; 
vov e more detesting Artemisia's worth, 
?y her none more despis'd. His master's eye 
li: caught, then spake. ' Display tliy dazzling state, 
Thou deity of Asia. Greece will hide 
tefore tliy presence her dejected face.' 

Last Artemisia, rising stem, began. 
'AVhy sits the lord of Asia in his tent, 
Jnprofitably wasting precious houi's 
n vain discussioM, whether yonder Greeks, 
lang'd in defence of that important pass, 
Vili fight, or fiy? A question by the sword 
To be decided. Still to nanow straits 
$y land, by sea thy council hath confin'd 
iiach enterprise of war. In numbers weak 
Twice have th' Athenians in Euboea's frith 
{.epuls'd the navy— But whate'er tJiy will, 
<e it enforc'd by vigor. Let tlie king 
The diff'rence see by trial in the field 
*etween smooth sound and valor. Then dissolve 
These impotent debates. Ascend thy car. 
Tie future stage of war thyself explore. 
tehJnd thee leave the vanity of hope, 
^hat such a foe to splendor will submit, 
iVhojn steel, not gold must vanquish. Thou provide 
^hy mail, Argestes. Not in silken robes, 
lot as in council with an oily tongue, 
5ut spear to spear, and clanging shield to shield, . 
Thou soon must grapple on a field of blood.' 



64 I 

The king arose—' No more. Prepare my ear. , 

Tlie Spartan e>dle, Demaratus, call. 
We will ourselves advance to view the foe.' 

The monarch vviird; and suddenly he heard 
His traiopling horses. High on silver wheels 
The iv'rj car with azure sappiiires shone, 
Cferulean beryls, and the jasper green, 
The emerald, the ruby's glowing blush, 
The flaming topaz with its golden beam, 
The pearl, th' empurpled an.ethyst, and all 
The various gems, which India's jniiies afford 
?ro deck the pomp of kijigs. In burnish'd gold 
A sculptur'd eagle from behind dispiay'd 
His stately ueck.ard o'er the rojnl head 
Outstretched his dazzling w iiigs. Eight gen'rous steed?, 
Which on the fam'd Nissean plain werenurs'd 
In wintry Media, drew the radiant car. 
Not those of old, to Hercules refus'd 
By false Laomtdon, nor they, w hich '^ore 
The son of Thetis through the scatter'd reap 
Of Troy's devoted race, with these might vie 
In strengtli, or beauty. In obedient pride 
They hear their lord. Exulting, in the air 
They toss their foreheads. On tlieir glist'uing chestfe 
The silver majies disport. The king ascends. 
Beside his footstool Demaratus sits. 
The charioteer now shakes th' effulgent reins, 
Strong Patiramphes. At the signal bound 
Th' attentive steeds ; the chariot files ; behind, 
I'en thousat»d horse in thunder sweep the field. 
Down to the sea-beat margin, on a plain 
Of vast expansion in battalia wait 
The easterji bands. To these th' imperial m heel? 
By priiices follow 'din ahundred cars. 
Proceed. The (jueen of Caria and her son 
With Hyperanthes rode. The king's ajiproaeh 
Swift through the wide arrangement is proclaim^. 
He now draws nigh. Th' iainmneiable hos.t 



[oil back by nations, and admit their lovd 
i'^ith all his satraps. As from crystal domesj 
uilt uiidenieath an arch of pendent seas, 
fiien that stern pow\', wliose trident rules the floods, 
'ith each cwvulean deity ascends, 
liron'd in his pearly chariot, all the deep 
ivides its bosom to th' emerging goti; 
) Xerxes rode between the Asian world, 
n either side receding: ^vhen, as down 
h' immeasurable ranks his sight was lost, 
! mo'.nentary gloom o'crcast his mind, 
j^hile this reflection fill'dhis eyes with tears; 
|hat< soon as time an hundred years has told, 
ot one among those millions should survive, 
lience to obscure thy pride arose that cloud? 
i^as it, that once humanity could touch 
tyrant's breast? Or rather did tfiy soul 
epine, O Xerxes, at the bitter thought, 
hat all thy pow'r was mortal? But the veil 
r saduess soon forsook his brightning eye, 
i w ith adoring awe those millions bow'd, 
nd to his heart relentless pride recall'd. 
iate the mingled prospect he surveys 
r glitt'ring files unimmber'd, chariots scyth'd, 
ithund'ring axles roll'd, and haughty steeds, 
surni>tuous trappings clad; Barbaric liomj). 
hile gorgeous banners to the sun expand 
leir streaming volumes of reluceut gold, 
•eeniirient amidst tiaras genmi'd, 
iigravenhelnie's, shields emboss'd, andspedi's 
number equal to the bladed grass. 
!hose living green in vernal beauty clothes 
hessalia's vale. What pow'rs of sounding verse 
in to the mind present th' amazing scene? 
)t thee, whom rumour's fabliiig voice delights, 
»etic fancy, to my aid I call; 
at thou, historic truth, support my song, 
rtiich shall the various multitude display, 
'k^ asmSf their istmners and tlieir imtive $siik 



66 

iTie Persiafts first in scaly corselets shone, 
A gen'rous nation, worthy to enjoy 
The liberty their injur'd fathers lost, 
"Whose arras for Cyrus overturn'd the strength 
Of Babylon and Sardis. Pow'r advanc'd 
The victor's head above his country's laws. 
Their tongues were practis'din the words of trutto, 
Their limbs inur'd to ev'ry manly toil. 
To brace the bow, to rule th' impetuous steed. 
To dart the javelin; but untaught to form 
The ranks of war, with unconnected force, 
With ineffectual foritude they rush'd , 
As on a fence of adamant, to pierce 
Th' indissoluble phalanx. Lances short, 
And osier- woven targets, they oppos'd 
To weighty Grecian spears, and massy shieldsi 
On ev'ry head tiaras rose like tow'rs, 
Impenetrable. With a golden gloss 
Blaz'd their gay sandals, and the floating reins 
Of each proud courser. Daggers on their thighs, 
Well-furnish'd quivers on their shoulders hung, 
And strongest bows of mighty size they bore. 
Resembling these in arms, tlie Medes are seen, 
The Cyssians and Hyrcanians. Media once 
From her bleak moimtains aw'd the subject eastf 
Her kings in cold Ecbatana werethron'd. 
The Cissians march'd from Susa's regal wall^ 
From sultry fields, o'erspvead with brandling palai.$; 
And white with UUies, water'd by the floods 
Of fam'd Choaspes. His transparent wave 
The costly goblet wafts to Persia's kings. 
All other streams the royal lip disdains. 
Hyrcania's race forsook their fruitful clime, 
Dark in the shadows of expanding oaks, 
To Ceres dear and Bacchus. There the corn. 
Bent by its foodful burden sheds, unreap'd, 
Its plenteous seed, impregnating the soil 
With future harvests; while in ev'ry wood 
Their precious labours ou the leaden houghs 



67 

I'he honey'il swarms pursue. Assj'via's sons 

iHsplay their brazen casques, unsldlful work 

'f rude Barbarians. Each sustains a rnace, 

''erlaid with iron. Near Euphrates' banks 

i^ithin the mighty Babylonian gates 

'liey dwell, and where still mightier once in sway 

Id Niuus rear'd its head, th' imperial seat 

f eldest tyrants. These Chaldsea joins, 

'he land of shepherds. From the pastures wide 

("here Belus first discern'd the various course 

f heav'n's bright planets, and the clustering stars 

^ith names distineuish'd; whence himself was deem'd 

jfhe lirst of Gods. His sky-ascending fane 

1 Babylon the proud Assyrians rais'd. 

irawn from the bounteous soil, by Ochus lav'd, 

'he Bactvians stood, and rough in skins of goats 

fhe Paricanian archers. Caspian ranks 

ix>mbaiTen mountains,from the joyless coast 

iround the stormy lake, whose name they bore, 

'heir scymetars upheld, and cany bows. 

'he Indian tribe the threefold host compose. 

art guide the courser, part the rapid car; 

fhe rest on foot witliin the bending cane 

or slaughter fix the iron-pointed reed. 

rhey o'er the Indus from the distant verge 

f Ganges passing, left a region lov'd 

y lavish nature. There the season bland 

estows a double harvest. Honey'd shrubs, 

rhe cinamon, the spikenard bless their fields. 

iMay'd in native wealth, each wamor shines. 

iiis ears bright-beaming pendants grace; hishand;: 

mcircled, wear a bracelet, starr'd with gems. 

uch were the nations, who to Xerxes sent 

rheir mingled aids of infantry and horse. 

i Now, muse, recite, what multitudes obscur'd 

\'he plain on foot, or elevated high 

*n martial axles, or on camels beat 

'he loosen'd mould. The Parthians first appeaiv 



es 

Then weak in numbers, from unfruitful hiils, 

Froin woods, nor yet for warlike steeds reiiowu'd* 

Near them the So^dians, Dadices arrange, 

Gandarians and Chorasmiaris. Saeian throngs 

From cold Imaus ponr'd, from Oxus' wave, 

From Gyra, built on laxartes' brink, 

A. bound of Persia's empire. Wild, untam\], 

'j.'o fury prone their deserts they forsook. 

A bow, a falchion, and a pond'rous ax 

The savage legions arm'd. A pointed casque 

O'er eacli giim visage rear'd an iron cone. 

In arms like Persians the Saranges stood. 

High, as their knees, the shapely buskins clung 

Around their legs. Magnificent they trod 

In garments riohly tinctuv'd. Next are seen 

The Pactian, Mycian, and the Utian train, 

In skins of goats rude-vested. But in spoils 

Of tawny lions, and of spotted pards 

The graceful range of -Ethiopians shews 

An equal stature, and a beauteous frame. 

Their torrid region had imbrown'd tlieir eheekl;. 

And curl'd their jetty locks. In ancient song 

Renown'd for justice, riches they disdaiii'd, 

As foes to virtue. From their seat remote 

On Nilus' verge above th' Egyptian bou}id 

Forc'd by their king's malignity and ])ride, 

These fiiends of hospitality and peace, 

Themselves uuinjur'd wage reluctant war 

Against a land, whose climate, and whose Jiame 

To them were strange. With hardest stone they point 

The rapid arrow. Bows four cubits long, 

Form'd of elastic branches from the paim, 

They carry knotted clubs and lances, arm'd 

With horns of goats. The Paphlagonians marcli'd, 

From where Carambis witli projected brow s 

O'erlooks tJie dusky Euxien, wrapt in mists, 

From where througli tlow'rs which paint his vai'j^'d bJiliJ»6 

Parthenius flows. The Ligyan bands suceeed; 

The I*Jati'ijiaus,Mariand'nians nextj 



69 
llo them the Syrian multitudes, who range 
Among tlie cedais on the shaded ridge 
Of Libanus; who cultivate the glebe. 
Wide-water''d by Oroutes; who reside 
Nea' Daphne's grove, or pluck from loaded palras 
The fcodful date, which clusters on the plains 
Of rich Damascus. All, wljio bear the name 
Of Cappadociaus, swell the Syrian host, 
"WitJi those, V ho gather fioni the fragrant shrub 
Tlie aromatic balsam, and extract 
Its milky juice along the lovely side 
Of Joi-dan. winding, till immers'd he sleeps 
\ Beneath a pitchy surface, which obsciues 
Til' Asphaltic pool. The Phrygians then advance. 
To them their ancient colony are join'd, 
Armenia's sons. These see the gushing founts 
Of strong Euphrates cleave the yielding earth, 
'Ihen, wide in lakes expanding, hide the plain; 
Whence with collected waters, fierce and deep, 
His passage rending through diminish'd rocks, 
To Babylon he foams. Not so tlie stream 
Of soft Araxes to the Caspian glides; 
He, stealing imperc ptibly, sustains 
The green profusion of Armenia's meadst 

Now sti-ange to view, in similar attii-e. 
But far unlike in manners to the Greeks, 
Appear the Lydians. Wantonness and spoit 
Were all their care. Beside Caeyster's brink, 
Or smooth Mseander, winding silent by, 
Beside Pactolean waves, among the vines 
Of Tmolus rising, or the wealthy tide 
Of golden-sanded Hermus they allure 
The sight, enchanted by tlie graceful dance; 
Or with melodious sweetness charm the air. 
And melt to softest languishraent the soul. 
What to the field of danger could incite 
These teude- sons of luxui-y? The lash 
Of their fell soT'reign drove their sluv'ring backs 



7Q 

Through hail and tempest, which eni-ag'd the main, 
And shook beneath their trembhng steps the pile, 
Conjoining Asia and the western world. 
To them Mceonia hot with sulph'rous mines 
Unites her troops. No tree adorns their fieldsj 
Unbless'd by verdure. Ashes hide the soil: 
Black are the rocks, and ev'ry hill deform'd 
By conflagration. Helmets jness their brows. 
Two darts they brandish. On their woolly vests 
A sword is girt; and hairy hides compose 
Their bucklers round and small. The Mysians lefs 
Olympus wood-en v«lop'd, left the meads^ 
Washed by Caicus, and the baneful tide 
Of Lycus-, nurse to serpents. Next advance 
An ancient nation, who in early times 
By Trojan arms assail'd, their native land 
Esteem'd less dear, than freedom, and exehaug'd 
Their seat on Strymon, where in Thrace he pours 
A freezing current, for the distant flood 
Of fishy Sangar. These, Bithynians nam'd, 
Their habitation to the sacred feet 
Of Dindyraus extend. Yet there they groan 
Beneath oppression, and their freedom mourn 
On Sangar now, as once on Sti^mon lost. 
The ruddy skins of foxes cloth'd tlieir heads. 
Their shields were fashion'd like the horned moon* 
A vest embrac'd their bodies; while abroad, 
Tiug'd witli unnumber'd huei, a mantle flow'd» 
But other Thracians, who their former name 
Retain 'din Asia, fulgent morions wore, 
■Wiihhoms of bulls in imitating brass, 
Curv'd o'er the crested ridge. Phoenician cloth 
Their legs infolded. Wont to chase the w olf, 
A hunter's spear they grasp'd. What nations still 
On either side of Xerxes, while he pass'd, 
Their huge array discov'ri ng, swell his soul 
"With more than mortal pride.' The clustered bands 
Of Moschians and Macronians now appear. 
The ^losynceciaiis, wht?, on berries fed. 



V 1 
In wooden tow'rs along the Pontic sands 
Repose their painted limbs; the mirthful race 
Of Tibarenians next, whose careless minds 
Delight in play and laughter. Then advance 
In garments, buckled on their spacious chests, 
A people, destin'd in eternal verse, 
Ev'n thine, sublime Moeonides, to live 
These are the Miiyans. Sol ymi their name 
In thy celestial strains, Pisidia's hills 
Their dwelling. Once a formidable train 
They fac'd the strong Bellerophon in war. 
Now doom'd a more tremendous foe to meet, 
Themselves unnerv'd by thraldom, they must lea^ 
Their putrid bodies to the dogs of Greece. 
The Marians follow. Next is Iria's host, 
Drawn from a region hoiuid all in thom, 
A dreary waste of sands, which mock the toil 
Of patient culture; save one favor'd sijot, 
Which from the wild emerges like an isle, 
Attir'd in verdure, interspers'd with vines 
Of geii'rous nurture, yielding juice, which sconp 
The injuries of time: yet nature's hand 
Had sown tlieir rocks with coralj had eni'ich'd 
Their desert hills witli veins of sappliires blue, 
"Which on the turban shine. On ev'ry neck 
'I'he coi-al blushes thi'ough the num'rous throng 
The Allarodians and Sasperiaii bands, 
Equipp'd like Colchians, wield a falchion small. 
Their heads are guarded by a helm of wood, 
Iheir lances sliort, of hides undress'd their shields. 
The Colchians march'd from Phasis, from the strand, 
f\"here once Medea, fair enchantress stood 
And woud'iing, view'd the first advent'rons keel, 
"Which cut the Pontic foam. From Argo's side 
The demigods descended. They repair'd 
To her fell sire's inhospitable hall. 
His blooming gi-aces Jason there disclos'd. 
With ev'17 art of eloquence divine 
He daiia'd Uie golden fleece. The virgin heard , 



She g'RZ'd in fatal ravishment, and lov'd. 
Then to the hei'o she resigns her heart. 
Her magic tames tlie brazen-footed bulls. 
She lulls the sleepless dragon. 0"er the main 
He wafts the golden prize, and gen'rous fair, 
The destin'd victim of his treach'rous vows. 
The hostile Colchians then pursu'd their flight 
In vain. By ancient enmity inflara'd, 
Or to recal the long-forgotteu wrong 
Comijell'dby Xerxes, now they menace Greece 
With desolation. Next in Median garb 
A croud appear'd, who left the peopled isles 
In Persia's gulph, and round Arabia strewn. 
Some in their native topaz were adoru'd, 
From Ophiodes.from Topazos sprung; 
Some in the shells of tortoises, which brood 
Around Casitis' verge. For battle range 
Those M'ho reside where, all beset with palra% 
Erythras lies entomb'd a potent king, 
"Who nam'd of old the Erythrsean main. 
On chariots scyth'd the Libyans Sat, array 'd 
In skins terrific, brandishing tlieir darts 
Of wood, well-temper'd in the hard'ning flames. 
Not Lybia's deserts from tjTannic sway 
Could hide her sons; much less could freedom dweli 
Amid the plenty of Arabia's fields: 
Where spicy cassia, where the fragrant reed. 
Where myrrli, and hallow'd frankincence perfume 
The zephyr's wing, A bow of largest size 
Th' Arabian carries- O'er his lucid vest 
Loose floats a mantle, on his shoulder claps'd. 
Two chosen myriads on the lofty backs 
Of camels rode, who matched the fleetest horse. 

Such were the numbers, which, from Asia led, 
In base prostration bow'd before the wheels 
Of Xerxes' chariot. Yet what legions more 
The Malian sand o'ershai^ow? Forward rolls 
The regal car through nations, who in arms, 



T'3 
In oiHlei'd ranks unlike the orient tribes, 
Upheld the spear and bnckler. H m, untaught 
To bend the servile knee, erect they stood; 
Unless that, inouruing'o'er the shameful weight 
Of tlieir new bondage, some their brows depress'd, 
Their arms with gdef distaining. Europe's sons 
Were these, whom Xei-xes by resistless force 
Had u^ather'd round his standards. Miirm'ringhet'ej 
The sons of Thi-ace and Macedonia rang'd; 
VIere on his steed the brave Tliessalian frowu'd; 
rhere pin'd reluctant multitudes, of Greece 
Redundant plants, in colonies dispersed 
Between Byzantium and the Malian bay. 

Through all (he nations, vho ador'dhis pride. 
Or fear'd his pow'r, the monarch now Mas pass'd; 
Xor yet among those miliions could be foiuid 
One, who in beauteous feature might compare, 
Or tow'ring size with Xerxes. O jjosstss'd 
Of all but virtue, doom'd to shew, how mean, 
How weak without her is miboundcd pow'r, 
'l"he charjn of beauty and the blaze of state, 
How inseotire of happiness, liow vain! 
Thou, who couklst mourn the connnon lot, by heav'n 
From none withheld, which oft to thousands proves ^ 
Their only refuge from a tyrant's rage; 
Which in consuming ■isckness, age or pain, 
Becomes at last a soothing hope to all: 
Tiiou, who couldst weep, that nature's genlle hand 
Should lay her weary'd offspring in the tonib; 
Yet couldst remorseless fion their peaceful seats 
Lead half the nations, victims to thy pride, 
To famine, jjlague and massacrc a prej'; 
Whatdidst thou merit from the iiijur'd world.' 
What sulF'rings to compensate for tlie tears 
Of Asia's mothers, for unpeojiled realms. 
For all tliis waste of nature? On his host 
'I'h' exulting monarch bends his haughty sig'ht, 
To Demaiatus then directs his voi«e.- 
E 



' My fitther, great Darius, to tliy ramA 
iiecal, O Spartan. Gracious he receiv'd 
Thy wand'riiig steps, expell'd their native hoiiae. 
-My favor too remember. To beguile 
'J'hy benefactor, and disfigure truth 
Would ill become thee. With eocsid'rate eyes 
Look back on these battalions. Now declare, 
if yonder Grecians will oppose their marcli.' 

To him the exile. ' Deem not, mighty loi"cl, 
i will deceive thy goodness by a tale 
To give them glory, who degraded mine. 
Tfor be the king offended, while I use 
The voice of truth. The Spartans never fly.' 

Contemptuous smil'd the monarch, and resum'd.. 
' Wilt thouj in Lacedsemon once supreme, 
Sncounter twenty Persians^ Yet these Greeks 
In greater disproportion must engage 
Our host tc-moiTow.' Demaratus then— 

' By single combat were the trial vain 
^'o shew the pow'r of well-united foroe, 
Which oft by military skill surjiiounts 
The weight of numbers. Prince, the diff 'renee leain 
Between thy warriors, and the sons of Greece. 
The flow'r, the safeguard of 4hy numerous camp 
Are mercenaries. These are cantoi>'d round 
Thy i>rovincf s. No fertile field dema- ds 
I'heir painful hand to break the fallow glebe. 

Them to the noon-day toil no harvest calls. 
Nor on the mountain falls the stubborn oak 
By their laborious axe. Their watchful eyes 
Observe not, how the ficeks and heifers feed. 

fo tliem, of V ealth of all possessions, void, 
The namt of coxnitry with an empty sound 
Flies o'er the ear, nor warms their Jo3'less hearts, 
"Who share no country. Needy, yet in scorn 
Rejecting labor, wretcb«d by Jheiy wa|if$, 



7d- 
Yet piofligate through indolence, with Tinab» 
Enervated and soft, with minds coiTiipt, 
From misery, debauchery and sloth. 
Are these to battlfe drawn against a foe, 
Train'd in gymnastic exercise and arms, 
Inur'd to hardship, and the child of toilj 
Wont through the tVeezing show'r, the wintry storm 
O'er his own glebe the tardy ox to goad. 
Or in the sun's impetuous heat to glow 
Beneatli the burden of his yellow sheaves; 
"Whence on himself, on her, Vihose faithful artn^ 
Infold him joyful, on a growing race, 
W'liich glad his d-w elling, plenty he bestows 
"With independence. When to battle call'd, 
For tliem his dearest comfort; and his care, 
And for the harvest, promis'd to his toil, 
He lifts the shield, nor shuns unequal force. 
Such are the troops of ev'iy state in Gieece< 
One oitly yields a breed more warlike still. 
Of whom selected bands appear in sight. 
All citizens of Sparta. They the glebe 
Have never turn'd, nor bound tiie golden sheafc 
They are devoted to severer tasks, 
For war alone, their sole delight and care. 
From infancy to manhood they are train'd 
To winter watches, to inclement skies. 
To plunge through torrents, brave the tusky boai''. 
To arms and wounds; a discipline of pain 
So fierce, so constant, that to them a camp^ 
With all its hardships is a seat of rest, 
And war itself remission from their toii.' 

'Thy words are folly, with redoubled scorn 
Returns tliemonareh. Doth not freedom dwell 
Among the Sj)artan ? Therefore will they shun 
Superior foes. The unresti^in'd and free 
Will tiy from danger; while my vassals, born 
To absulute controulir.ent from thek king, 
Ktjow, if th? allotted station they desert, 
The scourge awaits theii^j and my heavy wratK.' 



re 

To this the exile; 'O conceive not, prinee, 
That Spartans want an object, where to fix 
Their eyes in rev'rence, in obedient dread. 
To them more awful, than the name of king 
To Asia's trembling millions, is the law; 
Whose sacred voice enjoins them to confront 
Unnumber'd foes, to vanquish, or to die.' 

Here Demaratus pauses. Xerxes halts. 
Its long defile Thermopylae presents. 
The satraps leave their cars. On foot they fottu 
A splendid orb around their lord. By chance 
The Spartans, then compos'd th' external guard. 
They, in a martial exercise employ'd. 
Heed not the monarch, or his gaudy train; 
But poise the spear, protended, as in fight; 
Or lift their adverse shields in single strife; 
Or, trooping, forv/ard rush, retreat and wheel 
In ranks unbroken, and witli equal feet. 
While others, calm, beneath their polisli'd helms 
Draw down their hair, whose length of sable curls 
O'erspread their necks with terror. Xerxes here 
The exile questions— 'Wliat do these intend, 
Who witli assiduous hands adjust their hair?' 

To whom the Spartan— 'O imperial lord, 
Such is their custom, to adorn their heads. 
When full determin'd to encounter death. 
Bring down thy nations in resplendent steel; 
Arm, if thou canst, the gen'ral race of man, 
All who possess the regions unexplor'd 
Beyond the Ganges, all, whose wand'ring steps 
Above the Caspian range the Scythian wild, 
With those who drink the secret founi of Nilej 
Yet to Laeonian bosoms shall dismay 
Remain a strasiger.' Fervour from his lips 
Thus breaks aloud; when, gushing from his eyes, 
Itesistless grief o'a.*flows his cheeks. Aside 



Y7 

His head he turns. He weeps in copieus (*i*aras» 

The keen remembrance of his foniier state, 

His dignity, his gi-eatness , and the siglit 

Of those brave I'anks, wliich thus unshaken stood, 

And spread amlazemeiu tlirough the world inarmjj 

Kxcite these sorjows. His impassion'd looks 

Review the godlike warriors, who beneatln 

Ilis standard once victorious fought; who call'd 

Him once their king, their leader: then again, 

O'ercharg'd with anguish, he bedews with teavs 

His rev'rend beard; in agony bemoans 

His faded honors, his illustrious name 

Porgotten long, his majesty defil'd 

By exile, by dependence. So obscur'd 

By sordid moss, and ivy "s creeping leaf, 

Sonie prince'ly palace, or stupendous fane 

Magnificent in ruin, nods; where time 

Fr' m inider shehing architraves hath mou'd 

The column down, and cleft the pond'rous dome. 

Not unobsen'M by Hyperanthes, mourn'd 
Th' unhappy Spartan. Kindly in his own 
He press'd the exile's hand, and thus humane— 

•O Demaratus. in this grief I see. 
How just thy praises of Laconia's state. 
Though cherish'd here w ith universal love, 
Thou still deplor'stthy absence from lier face, 
Howt 'er avers e to thine. But swift rel ief 
From indignation borrow. Call to mind 
Thy injuries. Th' auspicious fortune bless, 
Which led thee far fi'om calumny and fraud, 
To peace, to honor, in the Persian court.' 

As Deinaratas, with a grateful mind. 
His answer was preparing, Persia's king 
Ster!-' interrupted — 'Soon as morning shines, 
Do you, Tigranes and Phraortes, head 
The Medes and Cissians. Bring these Grecians botind.' 



78 
This said, the monarch to his camp retunik. 
Th' attendant princes reaseend their cars, 
Save Hyperanthes, by the Carian queen 
Detain'd, who thus began— 'Impartial, brave, 
Nurs'd in a court, yet virtuous, let my heart 
To thee its feelings luidisguis'd reveal. 
Thou hear'st thy royal brother. He demands 
These Grecians bound. Why stops his mandate theie? 
Why not command the mountains to remove, 
Or sink to level plains. Yon Spartans view, 
Their weighty arms, their countenance. To die 
My gratitude instructs me in the cause 
Of our imperial master. To succeed 
Is not within the shadow of my hopes 
At this dire pass. What evil genius sways? 
Tigranes, false Argestes, and the rest 
In name a council, ceaseless have oppos'd 
My dictates, oft repeated in despight 
Of purpled flatt'rers, to embark a force, 
Which, pouring on Laconia, might confine 
These sons of valour to their own defence. 
Vain are my words. The royal ear admits 
Their sound alone; while adulation's notes 
In Siren sweetness penetrate his heart. 
There Jodge ensnaring mischief.' In a sigh 
To her the prince— 'O faithful to thy lord, 
Discreet adviser, and in action firm. 
What can I answer? My afflicted soul 
Must seek its refuge in a feeble hope. 
Thou mayst be partial to thy Doric race, 
Mayst magnify our danger. Let me hope, 
What'er th danger, if extreme, believe. 
That Hyperanthes for his prince can bleed 
Not with less zeal than Spartans for their laws?' 

They separate. To Xerxes he repairs. 
The queen, surrounded by the Cai-ian guard, 
Stays and retraces with sagacious ken 
The -destin'd field of war, the vary'd spzc^. 



its depth, its confines both of hill and sea, 
^lean time a scene raore splendid hath allur'd 
Her son's attention. His transported sight 
With ecstasy like worship long pursues 
The pomp of Xerxes in retreat, the throne. 
Which sliew'd their idol to the nations round, 
The bounding steeds, caparison'd in gold, 
The plumes, the chariots, standards. He excites 
Her care, express'd in these pathetic strains. — 

'Look on the king wth gratitude. His sire 
Protected thine. Himself upliolds our state. 
By lojalty nflexible repay 
The obligation. To immortal pow'rs 
The adoration of thy soul confine; 
And look undazzled on the pomp of man 
Most weak when highest. Then the jealous gods 
Watch to supplant him. They his ])aths, his courts, 
His chambers fill with flattVy's pois'nous swarms, 
Whose honey'd bane, by kingly pride devour'd, 
Consumes the health of kingdoms. Here the boy 
By an attention, which surpass'd his years, 
Unlocks her inmost bosom. TJirice aeeuvs''d 
Be those, th' isidignant heroine pursues, 
'Those, who have tempted their imperial lord 
'I' that pvepost'rous arrogance, which cast 
Chains in the deep to manacle the waves. 
Chastis'd witli stripes in heav'n's orfended sigh; 
The Hellespont, and fondly now demands 
The Spartans bound. O child, my soul's deliglu. 
Train'd by my care to eqisitable sway, 
And imitation of the gods by deeds 
To merit tlieir protectio ?, heed my voice. 
They, who alone can tame, or swell the floods, 
Compose the winds, or guide their strong carelu". 
O'erwhelming human greatness, will confound 
Such vanity in mortals. On ouv fieet 
Their indignation has already fall'n. 
Perhaps our boasted army is jjrepav'd 
A prey, for death to vindicate their pow'iV 



so 

Tliis said, a curious search in «T'i-y paiij; 
Her eye renews. Adjpining to the straits. 
Fresh bloom'd a thicket of entwining shrubs. 
And seeming fence to some sequester'd ground, 
By travellers unbeaten. Swift her guards 
Address'd their spears to part the pliant boughj. 
Held back, ibey yield a passage to the queen 
And princely boy. Delicious to their sight, 
Soft dales, inaeand'ring, shew their fiow'ry laps 
Among rude piles of nature. In their sides 
Of rock are mansions hewn; nor loaden trees 
Of cluster'd fruit are wanting, but no sound, 
Except of brooks in murmur, and the song 
Of V inged warblers, meets the list'ning ear. 
No gi'azing herd, no ftock, nor human form> 
Is seen; no careful husband, at his toil, 
Beside her threshold no iiidustrions wife, 
No playful child. Instructive to her son 
The princess then—' Already these abodes 
Are desolate. Once happy in their homes, 
Til' inhabitants forsake them. Pleasing scene 
(^f natiu-e's boinitj', soon will savage Tilai-s 
Deform the lovely ringlets of thy shrubs. 
And coarsely pluck lliy violated fruits, 
Unriije: will deafen with his clai.gour fell, 
Thy tuneful choirs. I mourn thy destin'd spoil. 
Yet come thy first despoiler. Captains, plant, 
Ere morning breaks, my secret standard here. 
Come, boy, away. Thy safety will I trust 
To Demaratus; while thy mother tries. 
With these her martial followers, what sparks^ 
X.eftby our Doric fathers, yet inflame 
Their sons and d'.ughters in a stern debate 
With other Dorians, who liave never breath 'd 
The soft'ning gales of Asia, never bow'd 
In forc'd allegiance to Barbarian th; ones. 
'J boti bced my order. Thos. ingenuous looki 
of discontent suppress. For thee this fight 
>Vore too st'Mfi'e a lesspa. Thou liught'st blee^ 



81 

Among the thousands fated to expire 
By Sparta's lance. Let Artemisia die, 
Ye all-disposing rulers, but protect 
Her son.' She ceas'd. The lioness, who reigns- 
Queen of the forest, terrible in strength, 
And prone to fury, thus, by nature taught, 
Melts o'er her young in blandishment and love. 

Now slowly tovv'rds the Persian campliersteps- 
In silence she directed; when a voice, 
Sent from a rock, accessible which seem'd 
To none but feather'd passengers of air, 
By this reiiroof detain'd her— 'Caria's queen 
Art thou, to Greece by Doric blood ally'd? 
Com'si thou to lay her fruitful meadows waste 
Thou homager of tyrants?' Upward gaz'd 
Th' astoiiish'd princess. Lo! a female shape,. 
Tall and majestic, from th' impendent ridge 
Look'd awful down. A holy fillet bound 
Her graceful hair, loose flowing. Seldom wept 
Great Artemisia. Now a springing tear 
Between her eyelids gleam'd. Too true, she sigh'd ; 
A homager of tyrants! Voice austere. 
And presence half-divine! Again the voiee<, 

'O Artemisia, hide thy Doric sword, 
let no Barbarian tyrant through thy might. 
Thy counsels, valiant as thou art and wise^ 
Consume the holy fanes, deface the tombs, 
Subvert tlie laws of Greece, her sons enthrall.' 

The queen made no reply. Her breasl^plate heav'3i 
The tremulous attire of cov'ring mail 
€onfess'd her struggle. She at length exclaini'd—- 
'Olyiiipiaii thund'rer, f rom thy neighb'ring hill^ 
Of sacred oaths remind me!' 1 hen asides 
She turns, to shun that majesty of Ibrm, . 
In solemn sounds upbraiding. Tomhev thottghfi 



82 
aiie feels. A painful conflict she entlures, 
With recollection of her Doric race; 
Till gratitude, reviving, arras her breast* 
Her royal benefactor she recalls, 
Back to his sight precipitates her steps. 



LEONIDAS. 

BOOK V. 



THE ARGUMEls'T. 

.iLeonidas, rising by break of clay, hears l]ie intelligence, 
which Agis and Melibceus bring from the upper pass; 
then commands a body of Arcadians, with the Plat- 
asans and Thespians, to be drawn out for battle under 
the conduct of Demopliilus in that part of Thermo- 
pylae wliich lies close to the Phocian wall, from 
whence he harangues them. The enemy approaehest 
Uiomedon kills Tigranes in single combat. Both 
armies join battle. Dithyrambus kills Phraortes. 
The Persians, entirely defeated, are pursued by De- 
iiiophilus to the extremity of the pass. The Arcadi- 
ans, inconsiderately advancing beyond it, fall into 
an ambush, which Artemisia had laid to cover the re- 
treat of the Persians. She kills Clonius, but is herself 
lepuls'd by Demophilus. Diomedon and Dithyram- 
bus give ehace to her broken forces over the plains in 
the sight of Persia's camp, whence she receives no 
assistance. She rallies a small bodj', and, facing the 
enemy, disables Ditliyrambusby a blow on his helmet. 
This puts the Grecians into some confusion, and_ 
gives her an opportunity of preserving tlie I'emain- 
der of her Carians by a timely retreat. She gains 
the camp, accuses Aigestes of treachery; but. pacified 
by Demaratus, is aeeompanieil by him with a thou- 
saiwl horse to collect the dead bodies of Jier soldiers 
for seonlhcre* 



LEONIDAS. 



,00K V. 

jnL UROR A dawn'd. Leonidas arose. 
"With Melibceus, Agis, now return'd, 
Address'd the liing— 'Along the mountain's side 
We bent owr jomney. On our way a voice. 
Loud from a crag, on Mehbceus call'd. 
He look'd and answer'd. Mycon, ancient friend! 
Far hast thou diiv'n thy bearded train to day; 
But fortunate thy presence. None like thee. 
Inhabitant of CEta from thy birth, 
Can furnish that intelligence, which Greece 
Wants for her safety. Mycon shew'd a track. 
We mounted high. 'J'hc summit, where we stopi>'dj 
Gave to the sight a prospect wide o'er hills 
O'er dales and forests, rocks, and dashing floods 
In cataracts. The object of our search 
Beneath us lay, the secret pass to Greece, 
Where not five warriors in a rank can tread. 
We thence descended to the Phocian camp, 
Eeset with scatter'd oaks, which rose and spread 
lu height and shade; on whose sustaining boughs 
'Werehiuigin snowy folds a thousand tents, 
Containing each a Phocian heavy-maird 
With two light-weapon'd menials. Northward ends 
The vale, contracted to that narro>v strait, 
Which first we saw with Mycon.' Prudent care 
Like yours alleviates mine, well pleas'd the king 
Reply'd. ' Now, Agis, from Arcadia's bands 
Select a thousand spears. To them unite 
The Thespians and Platseans. Draw their lii^ 
Beneath the wall, which Ibitifies the pass. 
There, close embody'd, will their might repulse 
The nujii'rous foe. DemopLilus salute. 



86 
Appi'ov'd in martial service, him I name 
The chief supreme^' Obedient to hi» will 
Th' appointed warriors, issuing from the terts, 
Pili their deep files, and watch the high command. 
So round their monarch in his stormy hail 
The winds assemble. From his diiskj' throne 
His dreadful mandates jEoI us proclaims 
To swell the main, or heav'n with clouds deforiu, 
Or b<»nd the forest from the mountain's brow. 
Laconia's leader from the rampart's height 
T-o battle thus the list'ning host inflames. 

' This day. O Grecians, cotmtrymen and friend^j 
Your wives, your offspring, your paternal seats, 
Your parents, country, liberty and laws 
Demand your SMords. You gen'rous, active, bra-ye , 
Vers'd in the various discipline of Mars, 
Are now to graple w ith ignoble foes, 
In war unskilful, nature's basest dross, 
And thence a monarch's mercenary sIaA"es. 
Relax'd their limbs, their spirits aredeprav'd 
By eastern sloth and pleasures. Hire their caujpj 
Iheir only frnit of victory is spoil. 
They know not freedom, nor its lib'ral cares. 
Such is the flow'r of Asia's host. The rest, 
■Who fill her boasted numbers, are a croud, 
Pore'd from their homes; a popuiace, in peace 
By -ealous tyranny disarm'd in war 
Their tyrant's victims. Taught in passive grief 
I'o bear the rapine, cruelty and spurns 
Of Xerxes' mercenary band they pine 
In servitude to sla\'es. With terror sounds 
The trumpet's clang-our in their trembling ears. 
Unwonted loads, the buckler and the lance 
Their hands sustain, eiicumber'd, and present 
The mockery of war — But ev'i-y eye 
Shoots forth impatient flames. Y( ur gallant breasts 
Too long their sw elling spirit have conlin'd. 
Go then, ye sons of Ubertyj go, sweep 



These bondmen from the field. Resistless rend 
The glitt'ring standai-d from their servile grasp. 
Hull to the ground their ignominious heads, 
The Avarrior's helm profaning. Think the shades 
Of your forefathers lift their saci*ed brows 
Here to enjoy the glory of their sons-' 

He spake. Loud paeans issue from the Greeks. 
In fierce i epiy Barbarian shouts ascend 
From hostile nations, thronging down the pass. 
Such is the roar of ^Etna, when his mouth 
Displodes combustion from his sulph'rous depths 
To blast the smiles of nature. Dauntless stood 
In deep ari-ay before the Phocian wall 
Tlie phalanx, wedg'd with implicated shields, 
And spears protended, like the raceful range 
Of arduous elms, whose interwoven boughs 
Before some rural palace wide expand 
Their venerable umbrage to retard 
The north's impetuous wing. As o'er the main 
In lucid rows the rising waves reflect 
The sun's eiTulgence; so the Grecian helms 
Return'd his light, which o'er their convex pour'd 
A splendour, scatter'd through the dancing plum^. 

Down rush the foes. Exulting in their van, 
Their haughty leader shake his threat'ning lance. 
Provoking battle. Instant from his rank 
Diomedon bursts furious. On he strides, 
Confronts Tigranes, whom he thus defies. 

' Now are we met. Barbarian. Wouldst thou prove 
Thy actions equal to thy vaunts, command 
Thy troops to halt, while thou and I engage.'' 

Tigranes, turning to the Persians, spake 
* My friends and soldiers, check your martial haste. 
While my strong lauce that Gredan's pride confounds.' 



88 
He eeas'd. In dreadful opposition soon 
Each coinbatant advaiie'd. 'f heii* sinewy hands 
Grip'd fast their spears, high brandish'd. Thrice they 

drove 
With well directed foi'ce the pointed steel 
At either's throat, and thrice their wary shields- 
Kepell'd the raeuacVl wound. The Asian chief 
xlt length, with pow'rs collected for the stroke, 
His weapon rivets in the Grecian targe. 
Aside Dioniedon inclines, and shuns 
Approaching fate; then all his jnartial skill 
Undaunted summons. His forsaken spear 
Beside him cast, his falchion he uiis'ieaths. 
The blade, descending on ligraiies' arm, 
That instant struggling to redeem his lance. 
The nervous hand dissevers. Pale aiFright 
Unmans the Persian; while his active foe 
Full on his neck discharg'd the rapid sword, 
Which open'd wide the pin-ple gates of death. 
Low sinks Tigranes in eternal shade. 
His prostrate limbs the conqueror bestrides; 
Then in a tuft of blood distilling hair 
His hand entwining, from the mangled trunk 
The head disjoins, and whirls with matchless strength 
Among the adverse legions. All in dread 
Recoil'd, w liere'er tlie ghastly visage flew 
In sanguine circles, and pursu'd its track 
Of horror throiigh the air. Not more amaz'd, 
A barb'rous nation, whom the cheerful dawn 
Of science ne'er iilumin'd, view on high 
A meteor, waving its portentous fires; 
Where oft, as superstition vainly dreams. 
Some demon sits amid the baneful blaze, 
Dispersing plague and desolation round. 
Av hile the stern Diomedoii remain'd 
Triumphant o'er the dire dismay, whi ch froze 
The heart of Persia; then with haughty pace 
In sullen ;oy among his gladsome friends 
RjKum'd his station. Still the hostile llirong 



S9 
In eonftteMnatioB molionless suspend 
The chai"ge. Theii- drooping hearts Phraovtes wafjins 

' Heav'n! can one leader's fate appal this host, 
"Which counts a chain of princes for its chiefs? 
Behold Phraorte». From Nipliates' ridge 
T draw my subject files. My hai"dy toil 
Through paihless woods and deserts hath explored 
The tiger's cavern. Thk unconquer'd hand 
Hath from the lion rent his shaggy hide. 
So through this field of slaugliter will I chase 
Yon vaunt) ug Greek.' His ardent woi'ds revive 
Declining valor in the van. His lance 
Then in the rear he brandishes. The croud 
Keibre hjsthreat'ning ire, affrighted, roll 
Their numbers headlong on the Grecian steeL 
Thus with his trident ocean's angry god 
J 'rom their vast bottom turns the mighty mass 
Of waters upward, and o'erwhehns the beach. 

Tremendous frown'd the fierce Platasan cliief 
Full in the battle's front. His ample shield 
Like a strong bulwark prominent he rais'd, 
Before the line . There thuuder'd all the storm 
Of darts and arrows. His undamited train 
1 n emulating ardour charg'd the foe. 
Where'er they turn'd the formidable spears, 
Which drench'd the glebe of Marathon in blood, 
Barbarian dead lay heap'd. Diomedon 
Led on the slaughter. From his nodding crest 
The sable plumes shook terror. Asia's host 
Shrunk back, as blasted by the piercing beaiDS 
Of that unconquerable sword, which fell 
With llght'ning's swiftness on dissever'd liebTR!, 
And, menacing Tigranes' doom to all, 
Their multitude dispers'd. The furious chief, 
Rncompass'd round by carnage, and besmear'd 
U'Hh sanguine dropSj inflames hi* warlike friends. 



90 

^ O Ditbyi-ambus, let thy deeds this day 
Surmount their wonted lustre. Thou in am*, 
Demoyhilus, worn grey, thy youth recal. 
Behold these slaves without resistance bleed. 
Advance, ray hoai"y friend. Propitious fame 
' Smiles on thy years. She grants thy aged hand 
To pluck fresh laurels for thy honor 'd brow.' 

As, when endu'd witli Promethean heat. 
The molten clay respir'd; a sudden warmth 
Glows in the venerable Thespian's veins; 
In ev'ry sinew new born vigour swells. 
His falcliion, tlnind'ring on Cherasmes' helm. 
The forehead cleaves. Ecbatana to v/ar 
Sent forth Cherasmes . From her potent gates 
He proud in hope her swarming numbers led. 
Him Aiiazus aiid Peucestes join'd, 
His martial brothers. They attend his fate, 
By Dithyrambus pierc'd. Their hoary sire 
Shall o'er his solitary palace roam; 
Lamenting loud his childless years, shall curse 
Ambition's fury, and the lust of war, 
Then, pining, bow ia anguish to the grave. 

Next by the fierce Platsean's fatal sword 
Expir'd Damates, once the host and friend 
Of fall'n Tigranes. By his side to fight 
He left his native bands. Of Syrian birth 
In Daphne he resided, near the grove, 
Whose hospitable laurels in their shade 
Conceal'd the virgin fugitive, averse 
To young Ajjollo. Hither she I'etir'd 
Far from her parent stream. Here fables feign, 
Herself a laurel chang'd her golden hair 
To verdant leaves in this retreat, the gi-ove 
Of Daphne call'd, the seat of rural bliss, 
Fann'd by the breath of zephyrs, and with rills 
From bubbling founts iniguoQs, Syria's boast, 



91 

The liappy rival of Thessalia's vale, 
JCow hid forever from Damates' eyes. 

DemophihK, wise leader, soon improves 
Advantage. All the vet'rans of his troop, 
In age his equals, to condense the files. 
To rivet close their bucklers he commands. 
As some broad vessel, heavy in her strengtlij 
Bsit well compacted, when a fav'ring gale 
Invites the skilful master to expand 
The sails at large, her slow but steady course 
Impels through mj'riads of dividing waves; 
So, uiu'esisted, through Barbarian throngs 
The hoary phalanx pass'd* Arcadia's sons 
Pursu'd more swii't. Gigantic Clonius press'd 
The yielding Pei'sians, who before him sunk, 
Cruslvd like vile stubble underneath the steps 
Of some glad peasant, viiting his fields 
Of new shorn hai'vest. On the gen'ral rout 
Phraortes look'd intrepid still. He sprang 
O'er hills of carnage to confront the foe. 
His own inglorious friends he thus reproaeh'd. 

' Fly then, ye cowards, and desert your chief. 
Yet single here my target shall oppose 
The shock of thousands.' Raging, he impels 
Hjs deathful point through Aristander's breast. 
Him Dithyrambus lov'd. A sacred bard, 
Kevev'd for justice, for his verse renown'd, 
He sung the deeds of heroes, those who fell. 
Or those who concfuer'd in their counti-y's cauje^ 
7'h' enraptur'd soul inspiring with the love 
Of glory, earn'd by virtue. His high strain 
The muses favor'd from their neighb'ring bow'rs, 
And bless'd with heav'nly melody his lyre. 
No more from Thesi)ia shall his feet ascend 
The shady steep of Helicon; no more 
The stream divine of Aganippe's fount 
Bedew his lip harmonious; nor his hands, 
"Which, dying, grasp the unforsaken lance, 



«2 

And prostrate buckler, ever moi'e accord 

His lofty numbers to the sounding sliell. 

Lo! DithjTanibus weeps. Amid the rage 

Of war and conquest swiftly gushing tears 

Find one sad rjoment's interval to fall 

On liis pale friend. But soon the victor proves 

His stem revenge: Through shield and corselet pliuig'dj 

His forceful blade'divides the Persian's chest; 

Whence issue streams of royal blood, deiiv'd 

Fron' ancestors who sway'd in Ninus old 

Th' Ass) rian sceptre. He to Xerxes' throne 

A tributary satrap rul'd the vales, 

Where Tigris swift between the parted hiUs, 

Of tall Niphates drew his foamy tide, 

Impregnating the meads. Phraortes sinks, 

Not instantly expiring. Still his eyes 

Flash indignation, while the Peisians fly. 

Beyond the Malian entrance of the straits 
Th' Arcadians rush; wh en, unperceiv'd, till felt, 
Spring from concealment in a thicket deep 
New swarms of warriors, clust'ring on the flank 
Of these unwary Grecians. Tow'rds the bay 
They shrink, 'i hey totter on the fearful edgCj 
Which overhangs a pi-ecipice. Surpris'd, 
The strength of Clonius fails. His giant bulk 
Beneath the cliieftain of th' assailing band 
Falls prostrate. Thespians and Plataeans wave 
Auxiliar ensigns. They encounter foes, 
Resembling Greeks in discipline and arms. 
Dire is the shock. What less, than Caria's queen 
In their career of victory could check 
Such warriors? Fierce she struggles; while the vcot 
Of Medes and Cissians carry to the camp 
Contagious terror: thence no succour flows; 
DemopJiilus stands firm; the Carian band 
At length recoil before him. Keen pursuit 
He leaves to others, like th' almighty sire, 
Who sits unshaken ou }m throne, -vvfaile floods, 



93^ 

His instruments of wrath, o'erwhelm the eartt, 

And wliirlwinds level on her hills the growth 

Of proudest cedars. Through the yielding crouti 

Plataea's chief and Dithyramtais range, 

Triumphant, side by side. 1 hus o'er the field, 

Where bright Alpheus beard the rattling car, 

And concave hoof along his echoing banks, 

Two gen'rous coursers, link'd in miitual reins, 

In speed, in ardour equal, beat the dust, 

To reach the glories of Olympia's goal. 

Th' intrepid heroes on the plain advance, 

They press the Carian rear. Not long tlie queen 

Endures tliat shame. Her i>eople's dying groans 

Transpierce her bosoin. On their bleeding limbs 

She looks maternal, feels matenial pangs. 

A troop she rallies. Goddess-like she turns, 

Not less, than Pallas with her Gorgon shield 

Whole ranks she covers like th' imperial bird 

Extending o'er a nest of callow young 

Her pinion broad, and pointing fierce her beak, 

Her claws outstretch'd. The Thespian's ardent hand 

From common lives refraining, hastes to snatch 

More splendid laurels from that nobler head. 

His pond'rous falchion, swift descending, bears 

Her buckler down, thence glancing, cuts the thong, 

Which holds her headpiece fast. That goldeen fenee 

Drops down. Thick tresses, unconfin'd, disclose 

A female waiTior; one, Avhose sxnnmer pride 

Of fleeting beauty had begun to fade, 

Yet by th' heroic character supply'd. 

Which grew more awful, as the touch of time 

Kemov'd the soft'ning graces. Back he steps, 

Unmann'd by wonder. Witli indignant eyes. 

Fire-darting, she advances. Both her hands 

Full on his crest discharge the furious blade. 

'I'he forceful blow compels him to recede 

Yet fuither hack, unwounded, though confus'd. 

His soldiers flock around him. From a scene 

Of blood more distant speeds Plattea's chief. 



m 

The fair oeeasibn of suspended fight 

She seizes, briglit in glory wheels away, 

And saves her Carian remnant. While his frien^ 

In fei'vent sounds Diomedon bespake. 

'If thou art slain, I curse this glorious day. 
Be all thy trophies, be ray own aecurs'd.' 

The youth, reeover'd, answers in a smile — 
*I am unhurt. The weighty blow proclaim'd 
The queen of Caiia, or Bellona's ann. 
Our longer stay Demophilus may blame. 
Let us prevent his call. This said, their steps 
They turn, both striding through empui-pled heap* 
Of arms, and mangled slain, themselves with gore ' 
Distain'd like two grim tigers, who have forc'd 
A nightly mansion, on the desert rais'd 
By some lone-wandling traveller, then, dy'd 
In human crimson, through the forest deep 
Back to their covert's dreary gloom retire. 

Stern Artemisia, sweeping o'er the field, 
Bursts into Asia's «amp. A fuiious look 
'She casts around. Abrocomes remote 
With HyiJeranthes from the king were seftt. 
She sees Argestes in that quarter chief, 
Who from battalions numberless had sparM 
Not one to succour, but his malice gorg'd 
With her distress. Her anger now augments. 
Revenge frowns gloomy on her darken'd brow* 
He cautious moves to Xerxes, where he sat 
High on his car. She follows. Lost her helm, 
Resign'd to sportive winds her cluster 'd locks^ 
Wild, but majestic like the waving boughs 
Of some proud elm, the glory of the grove,^ 
And full in foliage. Her emblazon'd shield 
AVith gore is tarnish'd. Pale around are seen 
All foint, all ghasily from repeated wounds 
Her bleeding soldiers. Brandishing her sM'ord, 
To them She points, to Xerxes thus she sp«aks» 



93 

'Beljold these mangled Carians, who have spe«t; 
Their vital current in the king's defence, 
Ev'ii in his sight; while Medes and Cissians Medj 
By these protected, whom Argestes saw 
Pursu'd by slaughter to thy very camp, 
Yet left unhelp'd to perish. liuling sire^ 
Let Horomazes be thy name, or Jove, 
To thee appealing, of the king I claim 
A day for justice. Monarch, to my arm 
Give him a prey. Let Artemisia's truth 
Chastise his treason.' With an eye submiss^ , 
A mien obsequious, and a soothing tone 
To cheat the kuig, to moderate her ire 
Argestes utters these fallacious words. 

'May Horomazes leave the fiend at latge 
To blast my earthly ha])piness, confine 
Amid the liorrors of his own abode 
My ghost hereafter, if the sacred charge 
Of Xerxes' person was not my restraint, 
"Mj sole restraint! To him our all is due, 
Our all how trifling, with his safety weigh'd^ 
His preservation I prefer to fame, 
And bright occasion for immortal deeds 
iForego in duty. Else my helpful sword, 
Fair heroine of Asia, hadst thou seen 
Among the foi-emost blazing. Lo! the king 
A royal present will on thee bestow, 
Pcvfiunes and precious unguents on the dead, 
A golden wreath to each survivor brave* 

Aw'd by her spirit, by the flatt'rers spell 
Deluded, languid thi'ough dismay and shame 
At bis defeat, the monarch for a time 
"Sat mute, at lengtli unlock'd his falt'ring lips. 

'Thou hear'st, great princess. Rest content. His >¥0l'd!s 
I ratify. Yet fartlier. I proclaim 
Thee of sRy train fiist councellor and chi§f. 



96 

O eagle-ey 'd discernment in tlie king: 
O wisdom equal to his boundless power! 
The purpled sycophant exclaims. 'Thouseest 
Her matchless talents. Wanting her, thy fleet, 
The floating bulwark of our hopes, laments, 
Foil'd in her absence, in her conduct safe. 
Thy penetrating sight directs the field; 
ihere let her worth be hazarded no more.' 

'Thy words are wise, the blinded prince rejoins. 
Return, brave Carian, to thj naval charge.' 

Thus to remove her from the royal ear 
Malicious guile prevails. Redoubled rage 
Swells in her bosom. Demaratus sees 
And calms the storm by rend'iing uji his charge 
To her maternal hand. Her son belov'd 
Dispels the furies. Then the Spartan thus. 

'O Ailemisia, of the king's command 
Be thou observant. To thy slaughter 'd friends 
Immediate care, far other, than revenge. 
Is due. The ravens gather. From his nest 
Among those clifts the eagle's rapid flight 
Denotes his scent of carnage. Thou, a Greelc^ 
Well know'st the duty sacred to the dead. 
Depart; thy guide is piety. Collect, 
For honoi'able sepulchres prepare 
Those bodies, mark'd with honorable wounds. 
I will assist thee. Xerxes will entrust 
To my command a chosen guard of Jiorse.' 

As oft, when storms in summer have o'ercast 
The night with double darkness, only jiierc'd 
By heav'n's blue fire, while thunder shakes the pole. 
The orient sun, diffusing genial warmth, 
Refines, the troubled air; the blast is nuite; 
Death-pointed flames disperse; and placid Jove 
Looks down in smiles: so piudeace from the lips 



«7 
Of Demaratus, by his tone, liis mien, 
His aspect strengtli'iiing' smooth persuasion's flow, 
Compos'd her spirit. Slie with him departs. 
The king assigns a thousand horse to guard 
Til' illustrious exile, and lieroic dame. 



t 



LE CIS IDAS 

BOOK VI 



THE ARGUMENI: 

The Grecian commanders after the pursuit retire fov 
refreshment to a cave in the side of mount Oeta. De- 
mophilus returns to the camp; Diomedon remains in 
the cave: while Dithyrambus, discovering a passage 
through it, ascends to the temple of the Muses. After 
a long discourse with Melissa, thedaughterof Oileus, 
she entrusts him with a solemn message to Leonidas. 
Dithyrambus deputes this charge to Megistias, the 
augur. Leonidas, recalling the forces, first engaged, 
sends down a fresh body. Diomedon and Dithyram- 
bus are permitted on their own request to continue in 
the field with the Platseans. By the advice of Diome- 
don the Grecians advance to the broadest part of 
Thermopylae, where they form a line of twenty in 
depth, consisting of the Platseans Mantineans, Te- 
g8sans, Thebans, Corinthians, Phliasians and Mycen- 
seans. The Spartans compose a second line in a nar^ 
rower part. Behind thejn are placed the light armed 
troops under Alpheus, and furthe rback a phalanx of 

ijl^ocrians under Medon, the son of Oileus. Dieaeees 
conunands the whole. 



LEONIDA^. 



BOOK VI. 



N 



OW Dith yrambus and Platsea's chief; 
Their former post attaining, had rejoin'd 
Demophilus. Recumbent on his shield 
Phraortes, gasping there, attracts their sight. 
To him in pity Thespia's gallant youth 
Approaching, thus his gen'rous soul expfcss'd— 

'Liv'st thoiT, bi-ave Persian? By propitious Jove, 
From whom the pleasing stream of mercy flows 
'I'hrough mortal bosoms, less my soul rejoic'd, 
%Vhen fortune bless'd with victory my arm, 
Than now to raise thee from this field of death.' 

His languid eyes the dying prince unclos'd, 
Then with expiring voice. ' Vain man, forbear 
To proffer me, what soon thyself must crave. 
I'he day is quite extinguish'd in these orbs- 
One moment fate allows me to disdain 
Thy mercy, Grecian. Now I yield to death.' 

This effort made, the haughty spirit fled. 
So shoots a meteor's transitory gleam 
Through nitrous folds of black nocturnal clouds., 
Then dissipates forever. O'er the corse 
His rev'rend face Demopbilus iuciin'd, 
Pois'd on his lance, and thus address'd the slain. 

' Al^ how glorious were that bleeding breast, 
Had v^ice brac'd the buckler on tliy arm, 
And to preserve a people bade thee die. 
Who n9w siiall luotirn thee? Thy ungrateful king 



102 

Win soon forget thy worth. Thy native land 

May raise an empty monument, but feel 

No public sorrow. Thy recorded name 

Shall wake among thy countrymen no sighs 

For their lost hero. What to them avail'd 

Thy might, thy dauntless spiiit? Not to guard 

Their wives, their offspring from th' oppressors hand; 

But to extend oppression didst thou fall, 

Perhaps with inborn virtues in thy soul, 

Which, but thy froward destiny forbade, 

By freedom cherish'd, might have blessM mankind. 

All bounteous natiu-e, thy inipartial law* 

To no selected race of men confine 

The sense of glory, fortitude, and ail 

Tiie nobler passions, which exalt the mind. 

And render life illustrious. These thou plant'st 

In ev'rj' soil. But freedom like the sun 

jvlust warm the gen'rous seeds. By her alone 

They bloom, they flourish; while oppression blasts 

The tender virtues: hence a spurious growth, 

P'alse honor, savage valor taint tlie soul, 

And wild ambition: hence rapacious pow'r 

The ravag'd earth unpeoples, and the brave, 

A feast for dogs, th' ensaaguia'd field besti-ew.' 

He said. Around the venerable man 
The warriors throng'd attentive. Conquest hush'd 
Its joyful transports. O'er the horrid field, 
Kude scene so late of tumult, ail was calm. 
So when the song of TJu-acian Orpheus drew 
^"o Hebrus' juargin from their dreary seats 
The savage breed, whiiih Hsemus, wrapp'd in clouds, 
Parigseus cold, audRhodopean snows 
In blood and discord uurs'd, the soothing strain 
Flow'd with enchantment through the ravish'd ear. 
Their fierceness melted, and amaz'd ihey learh'd - 
The sacred l^r.vs of justice, which thebiird '* 
Mix'd witli the music of his heav'nly string. 



103 

Mean time th' Arcadians w itb inverted avms 
And banners, sad and solemn on tlieir sliields 
The giant limbs of Clonius bore along 
To spread a genVal woe. The noblest corse. 
Dire spectacle of carnage, passing by 
To those last honors, which the dead partake. 
Struck Dithyrambus. Swift his melted eye 
Review'd Phraortes on the rock supine; 
Then on the sage Demophilus he look'd 
Intent, and spake. ' My heart retains thy words. 
This hour may witness, how rapaQious pow'r 
The earth unpeoples. Clonius is no more. 
Blithe, by Greece lament-ed, will acquire 
A signal tomb. This gallant Persian, crush'd 
Beneath my fortune, bath'd in blood, still warai. 
May lie forgotten by his thankless king; 
Yet not by me neglected shall remain 
A naked corse.' The good old man replies. 

' My gen'rous child, deserving that success, 
Thy avrii hath gaiu'd! When vital breatli is fled ^ 
Gur friends, our foes are equal dust. Both claim 
The fun'rai passage to that future seat 
Qf being, where no enmity revives. 
Iliere Greek and Persian will together quaff 
In amaranthine bow'rs the cup of bliss 
Immortal. Him, thy valor slew on eartli, 
In that bless'd region thou majst find a friend-' 

This said, the ready Thespians he commands , 
To lift Phraortes from his bed of death, 
Th' empurpled rock. Outstretch'd on targets broad, 
Sustain'd by hands late hostile, now humane, 
He follows Clonius to the fun'rai pyre. ' 

A cave not distant from the Phoeian wall 
Through (Eta's cloven side had nature form'd 
In spacious windings. This in moss she clad; 
O'er half the entrance downward fron» the roots , 



I04i 

Sie hung the s3iaggy tininks of brandling lirSj^ 

To heav'n's hot ray impervious. Near tlie inoutli 

BeluceHt laurels spread before the suu 

A broad and vivid foliage. High above, 

The hill Mas darken'd by a solemn shade, 

Biifiisxl from ancient cedars. To this cave 

Diomedon, Demophilusresort, 

And Thespia's youth. A deep recess appeafs, 

Cool, as the azure grot where Thetis sleeps 

Beneath the vaulted ocean. Whisper'd somids 

Of waters, trilling from the riven stone 

To feed a fountain on the rocky floor, 

In purest streams o'erflowing tethe sea^ 

Allure the warriors, hot with toil and thirst 

To this retreat serene. Against the sides 

Their disencumber'd hands repose their shielc's; 

The helms they loosen from their glowing cheeks; 

Propp'd on their spears, they rest; when Agis brings 

From Lacedaamon's leader these commands. 

' Leonidas recalls you from your toils, 
Ye meiitoiious Grecians, You have reap'd 
1'he first bright harvest on the field of fame. 
Our eyes in wonder i\om the Phociau wall 
On your unequall'd deeds incessant gaz'd.' 

To whom Plataga's chief. ' Go^ Agis, say 
To Laced^emon's ruler, that, untir'd, 
Diomedon can yet exalt his spear, 
Nor feels the armour heavy on his limbs. 
Shall I then quit the contest! F.re he sinks. 
Shall net this early su]^act'.in behold 
The shives of Xerxes tremble at my lanoe, * 

Should they adventure on a fresh assault.'' 

To him the Thespian youth. ' My friend, my guiffe 
To noble actions, since thy gen'rous heart 
Intent on fame disdains to rest, O grantj, 
I too thy glojcieus laboM may paitaJie; 



10^ 

May leara once move to imitate thy deeds, \. 
Thou, gentlest Agis, Sparta's king entreat 
Kot to cooimand us from tlie field of war.' 

• Yes, persevering heroes, he reply'd, 
I will letiu'n, will Sparta's king entreat 
Nbt to command you from the field of war.' 

Then intei-pos'd Demophilus. ' O friend 
Who leadst to conquest brave Platsea's sons; 
Thou too, lov'd offspring of the dearest man,^ 
Who dost restore a brother to my eyes; 
My soul your magnanimity applauds: 
But, O reflect, that unabating toil 
Subdues the mightiest. Valor will repine, 
"When the weak hand obeys the heart no movci 
Yet I declining through the weight of yearSj 
Will not assign a measure to your strength. 
If still you find your vigor undecay'd, 
Stay and augment yoTir glory. So, when time 
Casts ft-om your wbiten'd heads the helm aside, 
Wlien in the temples your enfeebled arms 
Have hung their consecrated shields, the land 
Which gave you life, in her defence employ'd. 
Shall tlien by honors, doubled on your age, 
■Requite the gen'rous labours of your prune,^ . 

So spake tlie senior, and forsook the cavfe« 
Bot from the fount Diomedon receives 
Th' o'erflowing waters in his concave helttij 
Addressing thus the genius- of the stream. 

' Whoe'er thou art, divinity unstain'd 
Of this fair fountain, till Unsparing MaVs 
Heap'd carnage round thee, bounteous are tiiy stteams 
J'o me, who ill repay thee. I again 
Thy silver-gleaming current must pollute, 
■Which, mix'd with gore, sht^Il tinge the JIalian sKaiev'- 
F2 



4t)6 

He said, and lifted in his brimming casque 
The bright, refreshing moisture. Thus repairs 
The spotted panther to Hydaspes' side. 
Or eastern Indus, feasted on the blood 
Of some torn deer, which nigh his cruel gi'asp 
Had roam'd, unheeding, in the secret shade; 
Hp-lKicious o'er the humid brink he stoops. 
And in the pure and fluid crystal cools 
His reeking jaws. Mean time tlie Thespian's eye 
Roves round the vaulted space; when sudden sounds 
Of music, utter'd by melodious harps, 
And melting voices, distant, but in tones 
By distance soften'd while the echoes sigh'd 
Jn lulling replication, fill the vault 
With harmony. In admiration mute, 
With nerves vmbrac'd by rapture, he, entranc'd. 
Stands like an eagle, when his parting plumes 
The balm of sleep relaxes, and his wings 
Fall from his languid side. Platsea's chief. 
Observing, rous'd the warrior. 'Son of Mars, 
Shall music's softness froui thy bosom steal 
The sense of glory ? From his neigb'ring camp 
Perhaps the Persian sends fre?h natior.s down. 
Soon in bright steel Thermopylas will blaze. 
Awake. Aeeustom'd to the clang of arms, 
Intent on vengeance for invaded Greece, 
My ear, my spirit in this hour admit 
Jfo new sensation, nor a change of thought.' " 

The Thespian, starting from oblivioiis sloth 
Of ravishment and wonder, quick reply'd. 

'These sounds were more, than human. Hark .' AgSunf 
O honor'd friend, no adverse bar.ner streams 
In sight- No shout proclaims the Persian freed 
From his late terror. Deeper let us plunge 
In tins mysterious dwelling of ihenyniphs, 
Whos!' voices chprm its .'•looni.' In smiles rejoin'4 
Diomedon. '1 see thy souleothrall'd . 



lor 

Me thou wouldst rank among tb' unletter'd imit 
Of yon Barbarians, should I press tby stay. 
: Time favors too. Till Agis be return'd, 
We cannot act. Indulge thy eager search. 
Here will I wait, a centinel unmov'd, 
To watch thy coming.' In exploring haste 
Th' impatient Thespian penetrates the cave. 
He finds it bounded by a steep ascent 
Of rugged steps ; where down the hollow rock 
A modulation clear, distinct and slow, 
In movement solerar,, from a lyric string, 
Dissolves the stagnant air to sweet accord 
With these sonorous lays. Celestial maids '. 
While, from our cliffs contemplating the war, 
We celebrate our heroes, O impart 
Orphean magic to the pious strain { 
That from the mountain we may call the groves, 
Swift inotion through these marble fragments breathe. 
To overleap the high CEtsean ridge, ' 

And crush die fell invaders of our peace. 

The animated hero upward springs 
light, as a kindled vapour, Avhich, confin'd 
In subterranean cavities, at length 
Pervading, rives the surface, to enlarge 
The long iraprison'd flame. Ascending soon, 
He sees, he stands abash'd, then rev'reut kneels. 

An aged temple with insculptur'd forms 
Of Jove's harmonious daughters, and a train 
Of nine bright virgins, round their priestess rang'dj 
Who stood in awful majesty, receive 
His unexpected feet. The song is hush'd. 
1'he measur'd movement on the lyric chord 
In faint vibration dies. The priestess sage» 
■Wliose elevated port and aspect rose 
To more than mortal dignity, her lyre 
Consigning graceful to atti-ndaut bands, 
Looks with reproof. The Ipose, uncover 'd liaijf 



-108 

^Shades his inclining forehead ; while a flush 
Of modest crimson dj'es his youthful cheek. 
Her pensive visage softens to a smile 
On worth so .blooming,, which she thus accosts— 

' I should reprove thee, inadvertent youth, 
Who through the sole access, by nature left 
To this pure mansion, with intruding steps 
Dost interrupt our lays. But rise. Thy sword 
Perhaps embellish'd that triumphant scene, 
.Which wak'd i!iese harps to celebrating notes. 
What is the impress on thy warlike shield i' 

'A golden eagle on my shield I hear,' 
Still bending low, he answers. She pursues— 

' Art thou possessor of that glorious orb, 
By me distinguish'd in the late defeat 
Of Asia, driv'n before thee ? Speak thy name. 
Who is thy sire ? Where lies thy native seat ? 
Cora'st thou for glory to this fatal spot, 
Or from Barbarian violence to guard 
A parent's age, a spouse, and tender babes. 
Who call thee father .■" Humbly he again— 

' I am of Thespia, Dithyrambus nam'd, 
1 he son of Harm,atides. Snatch'd by fate, 
He to his brother, and my second sire, 
Demophilus, consign'd me. Thespia 's son? 
By him are led. His dictates I obey, 
Him to resemble strive. No infant voice 
Calls me a father. To the nuptial vow 
I am a stranger, and among the Greeks 
The least entitled to thy partial praise.' 

' None more entitled,' interpos'd the d^me. 
'Deserving hero! thy demeanor speaks, 
It jHstiftes^he fame, so widely spread, 
Of Harwa^ides' heir. O grace and pvii^e 



109 

Of that fair city, which the louses loVe, 

Thee an accepted visitant I hail 

In this their ancient temple- Thou shalt view 

Their sacred haunts.' Descending from the dome, 

She thus piirsues— 'First know, my youthful hours 

Were exercis'd in knowledge. Homer's Muse 

To daily meditation won my soul , 

Witli my young spirit mix'd imdying sparks 

-Of her own rapture. By a father, sage, 

Conducted, cities, manners, men I saw, 

Their institutes and customs. I return'd. 

The voice of Locris call'd me to sustain 

The holy function here. Now throw thy sight 

Across that meadow, whose enliven'd blades 

Wave jn the breeze, and glisten in the suh 

Behind the hoary fane. My bleating train 

Are nourish'd there, a spot of plenty, spar'd 

From this suiTounding wilderness- Remark 

That liuid minw, edg'd by shrubs andflow'rs; 

Shrubs of my culture, flow'rs,by Iris dress'd. 

Nor pass that smiling concave in the hill, 

Whose pointed craggs are soften'd to the sight 

By figs and grapes.' She pauses; while around 

Ris eye, delighted, groves, in more delight 

Soon to the spot returning, where she stood 

A deity in semblance, o'er the place 

Presiding awful, as INIinerva wise, 

August like Juno, like Diana ^)ure, 

But not more pure, than fair. The beauteous lake, 

The pines wide-branching, falls of water clear, 

The multifarious glow on Flora's Ifip 

Lose all attraction, as her gracious lips 

Resume their tale. 'In solitude remote 

Here I have dwelt contemplative, serene. 

Oft througli the rocks responsive to my lyre, 

Oft to th' Anipbietyons in assembly full. 

When at this shrine their annual vows they pay, 

In measur'd declamation I repeat 

The praise of Greece, her liberty and laws. 

From me the hinds, who teed their wand'ving goat* 



110 

In these rude purlieus, modulate their pipes 
To snsoother cadence. Justice from my tongile 
Desser,lion caluis, which evil in deseits rend 
The unquiet heart of man. Now furious war 
My careful thoughts engages, which delight 
To help the free, th' oppressor to confound. 
Thy feet auspicious fortune thither brings. 
In thee a noble messenger I find. 
Go, in these words Leonidas address. 
' Melissa, priestess of the tuneful nine, 
By their behests invites thy honor'd feet 
To her divine abode. Thee, first of Greets, 
To conference of high import she calls.' 

Th' obedient Thespian down the holy cave 
Returns. His swiftness suddenly prevents 
His friend's impatience, who salutes him thus— 

'Let thy adventure be hereafter told. 
Look yonder. Fresh battalions from the oamp 
File through the Phoeian barrier to construct 
Another phalanx, moving tow'r of wai*, 
AVhich scorns the strength of Asia. Let us arm'; 
That, ready station'd in the glorious van, 
We may secure permission from the king 
There to continue, and renew tlie fight ' 

That instant brings Megistias near tlie grot. 
To Sparta's phalanx his parternal hand 
Was leading Menalippus. Not unheard 
By Dithyrambus in their slow approach. 
The father warns a young and lib'ral mind. 

'Sprung from a distant boundary of Greece i 
A foreigner in Sparta, cherish'd there. 
Instructed, honor'd, nor unwortliy held 
To fight for Lacedsemon, in her line 
Of discipline and valor, lo! my sou. 
The hour is eo^ue to prove thy gen'rous heart: ' 



Ill 

I'hat in thy hand, not ill-entrusted, shine 
The spaaY and buckler to maintain the cause 
Of thy protectress. Let thy mind recall 
Leonidas. On yonder bulwark plac'd, 
He overlooks the battle; he discerns 
The bold and fearful. May the gods , I serve, 
Grant me to hear Leonidas approve . 
My son! No other boon my age iinplores.' 

The augur paused. The animated cheek 
Of Menalippus glows. His eager look 
Demands the fight. I'his struck the tender sire, 
"Who then with uioisten'd eyes. Uemember too, 
A fatJier sees thy danger. Oh! my child. 
To me thy honor, as to tliee, is dear; 
Vet court not death. By ev'ry filial tie, 
By all my fondness, all my cares 1 sue! 
Amid the conflict, or the warm pursuit 
StJU by the wise Dieneces abide. • 
His prudent valor knov's th' unerring patfis 
Of glory. He admits thee to Ids side. 
He will direct thy ardour. Go' They part. 

Megistias, turning, is accosted thus 
By DithjTambus— 'Venerable seer, 
So may that son, whose merit I esteem, 
Whose precious head in peril I would die 
To guard, return in triu^nph to thy breast^ 
As thou deliver'st to Laconia's king 
A liigh and solemn message. While anew 
The line is forming, from th' embattled field 
i must not stray, uncall'd. A sacred charge 
Through hallowVi lips will best ajiproach thekingl' 

t 

The Acar'nanian in suspense remains 

And silence. Dithyi-ambus quick relates 
Melissa's words, describes the holy grot. 
Then quits th' instructed augur, and attends 
3)tomedon's loud call. That fervid chief 



lis 

Was reassuming liis distinguish'd arms. 

Which, as a splendid recompense, he bore 

Fi'om grateful Athens, for achievements holdr 

When he with brave Miltiades redeein'd 

Her domes from Asian flames. The sculptured helm 

Inclos'd his rnaidy temples. From on high 

A four-fold plumage nodded; while beneath 

A golden dragon with eifulgent scales, 

Itself the crest, shot terror. On his arm 

He brac'd his buckler. Bord'ring on the rim, 

Gorgonian serpents twiri'd. Within, .the form 

Of Pallas, martial goddess, was emboss'd. 

Low, as lier feet, the graceful tunic flow'd. 

Betwixt two gryfiins on her helmet sat 

A sphynx with wings expanded; while the face 

Of dire Medusa on her breastjilate frown'd. 

One hand supports a javelin, which confounds" 

The pride of kings. The other leads along 

A blooming virgin, Victorj', whose brow 

A wreath encircles. Laurels she presents; 

But from her shoulders all her plumes were shorn, 

In favor'd Athens ever now to rest. 

This dread of Asia on his mighty arm 

Diomedon uprear'd. He snatch'd his lance, 

.Then spake to Dithyrambus, 'See, my friend, 

Alone of all the Grecians, who sustaiu'd 

The former onset, inexhausted stand 

Platsea's sons. Tliey well may keep the field, 

Who with unslacken'd nerves endur'd that day. 

Which saw ten myriads of Barbarians driv'n 

Back to their ships, and Athens left secure. 

Charge in our line. Amid the foremost rank 

Thy valour shall be plac'd to share commands 

Andev'ry honor with Platoea's chief J 

He said no more, but towr'ds the Grecian van 
Impetuous, ai-dent strode. Now slow behind 
The pi-ide of Thespia, Dithyrambus uiov'd 
Ljke youthful Hermes in celestial annsf 



113 

When lig'htly gfracetul with his feather'd f^?t 
Along Scamander's flow'ry verge he pass'd 
To aid th' incens'd divinities of Greece 
Against the Phrygian tow'rs. Their eager haste 
Soon brings tlie heroes to th' embattling ranks, 
Whom thus the brave Diomedon exhorts. 

'Not to contend, but vanquish are ye come. 
Here in the blood of fugitives your spears 
Shall, unoppos'd, be stain 'd. My valiant friends, , 
But chief, ye men of Sparta, view that space, 
Where from the Malian gulph more distant rise 
Th' (Etsean rocks, and less confine the straits. 
There if we range, extending wide our front. 
An ampler scope to havoc will be giv'n.' 

To him Dieneces— 'Plataean friend, 
Well dost thou counsel. On that widening ground 
Close to the mountain place thy vet'ran files. 
Projjortion'd niunbers from thy right shall stretch 
Quite to the shore in phalanx deep like thine. 
The Spartans wedg'dinthis contracted part 
Will I contain. Behind me Alpheus waits 
With lighter bodies. Further back the line 
Of Locris forms a strong reserve.' He said. 
The diff'rent bands, confiding in his skill, 
Move on successive. The Platsens first 
Against the hill are station'd. In tlieir van 
Is Dithyrambus rank'd. Triumphant joy 
Distends their bosoms, sparkles in tlieir eyes. 

Bless'd be the great Diomedon, they shout. 
Who brings another hero to our line. 
Hail ! Dithyrambus^ Hail .' illustrious youth. 
Had tender age pennitted, thou hadst gain'd *'^; 
An early palm at Marathon. His post 
He takes. His gladness blushes on his cheek 
Araid the foremost rank. Around him croud 
1 he long-try'd warriors. Their uanun3bei''d soarj 



* 



114> 

Biscov'nng; they in ample phrase recount 
Their various dangers. He their wounds surveys 
In veneration, nor disdains to hear 
Tlie oft-repeated tale. From Sparta's king 
Heturn'd. the gracious Agis these addvessVl— 

'Leonidas salutes Platsea's chief 
And Dithyramhus. To your swords he grants 
A further elfbit with Plataja's band, 
If yet by toil uneonquer'd— but I see. 
That all, unyielding, court the promis'd fight. 
Hail! glorious veterans. This signal day 
May your victorious arms augment the wreaths 
Around your venerable heads, and grace 
Therraopylas with Marathonian fame.' 

This said, he hastens back. Mean time advance 
The Mantinean, Diophantus brave. 
Then Hegesandei", Tegea's dauntless chief, 
"Who near Diomedon in equal range 
Jirect their standards. N ext the Thebans forai. 
Alcmaeon, bold Eupalaraus succeed 
"With their Corintliian and Phliasian bands. 
Last on the Malian shore Mycenses youth 
AristoljuUis draws. From ffita's side 
Down to the bay in well-connected length 
Each gleaming rank contains a hundred spearS, 
While twenty bucklers ev'iy file condense. 
A sure support, Dieneces behind 
Ai-rays the Spartans. Godlike Agis here. 
There Menalippus by their leader stand 
Two bulwarks. Breathing ardour in the rear. 
The words of Alpheus f\in the growing flame 
Of expectation through his light-arm'd force; 
While Polydorus present iji his thoughts 
To vengeance sharjiens his indignant soul. 

No foe is seen. No distant shout isTieard, 
Tliis pause of action Dithyramhus chose> 



113 

The solemn scene on CEta to ins friend 
He opeii'd large; portra) 'd Melissa's form, 
Reve^nl'd her mandate; when Plata^i's chief--*- 

"^Such elevation of a female mind 
Beapexdcs Melissa worthy to obtain 
The conference, she asks. This wond'i'otis dame 
Aiiiid her hymns conceives some lofty thought 
To make tlie slaves, who loiter in their camp, 
Dread ev'n our women. Hut, my gentle friend, 
Say, Dithyrambus, wliom the liquid spell 
Of song; enchants, should 1 reproach the gods, 
Who form'd me cold to music's pleasing' pow'i-.' 
Or sliould I thank them, that the soft'ning charm 
Of sound, or numbers ne'er dissoU'd n)y soul? 
Yet I confess, thy >aior breaks that charm, 
Wliich may enrapture, not unman thy breast.' 

To whom his friend— Doth he, whose lays record 
The woes of Priarn and the Grecian fame. 
Doth he dissolve thy spirit? Yet he Hows 
In all the sweetness, harmony can breathe.' 

'No by the gods,' Diomedon i-e^oins. 
'I feel that mighty muse. I see the car 
Of fierce Achilles, see tli" enciuviber'd wheel*" 
O'er heroa^iliiv'n, and clotted -with their gore, 
Anofher too demands my soul's esteem, 
Brave yEschylus of Athens. I have seen 
His muse begirt by Furies, AvhiJe she swell'd 
pHer tragic numbers. Him in equal rage 
[His country's foes o'whelming I beheld 
At !>-faratlion. If Phcebus would diffuse 
Suoi. Qre through ev'ry bard, the tuneful band 
Migln. i''- themselves find heroes for their songs. 

ut, son of Hevmatides, lift thine eye 

o yonder point, remotest in tlie bay. 
Those seeming clouds, which o'er the billows fieet 
Successive vownd the jutting land, are sails. 



116 

Th' Athenian pendant hastens to salute 

Leonidas. O jEsehyhis, my friend, 

First in the train of Phoebus, and of Mars, 

Be thou on board I Swift-bounding o'er the waves, 

Come and be witness to heroic deeds! 

Brace thy strong harp witli loftier-sounding chords 

To celebrate this battle! Fall, who may; 

But if they fall with honor, let their names 

Round festive goblets in thy numbers ring, 

And joy, not grief, accompany the song.' 

Conversing thus, their courage they beguJI'd; 
Which else impatient of inactive hours 
At long-suspended gloi7hjid repin"d. 



LEONIDAS 

BOOK TIL 



ARGUMENT. 

jifegfstias defivers Melissa's message to JLeoniJasi Ma- 
don, her brother, conducts him to the Temple. She 
furnishes Leonidas with the means of executing a 
desig'n, he had premeditated to annoy the enemjo 
They are joined by a body of mariners imder the 
command of iEschylos, a celebrated poet and 'A'ar- 
rior among the Athenians. Leonidas takes the ne- 
cessary measures; and, observing from a stimrait of 
Oeta the motions of the Persian army, expects ano- 
ther attack: this is renewed with great violence by 
B-yperantlies, Abrocomes, and the principal PeisiaW 
i^cleys at the head of son\e chosen troop.s. 









LEONID AS. 



BOOK vn. 

JlTJ.EGlSTIAS, urging to unwonted speed 
His aged steps, by Dithyrambus cbarg'd 
With sage Melissa's words, had now rejoin'd 
The king of Lacedaemon. At his side 
"VVas Maron posted, Avatchful to receive 
His high injunctions. In the rear they stood 
Behind two thousand Locrians, deep-array'd 
By wavlike Medon, from Oileus sprung. 
Leonidas to thejn his anxious mind 
"Was thus disclosing— 'Medon, Maron, hear. 
From this low rampart my exploring eye 
But half commands the action, yet hath mark'd 
Enough for caution. Yon barbarian camp, 
Immense, exhaustless, deluging the ground 
With myriads, still tferHowing, may consume 
By endless numbers, and unceasing toil 
The Grecian strength. Not marble is our fleSll, 
Iif or adamant our sinews. Sylvan pow'rs, 
Who dwell tfla Oeta, your superior aid 
We must solieit. Your stupendous cliiFs 
In those close rocks, and branchless trunks contton 
'•■More fell annoyance, than the arm of m^.' 

He ended; when Megistias. 'Virtuous king", 
Melissa, priestess of the tuneful nine, 
By their behests invites thy honor'd feet 
To her chaste dwelling' seated on that hiU, 
To conference of high import she calls 
Thee, first of Grecians.' Medon interpoS'fb 

' *She is my sister. . Justice rules her ways 
With piety and wisdoi^. To her voice 



a 

120 
The nations round give ear. The muses breathe 
Their inspiration through her spotless soul, 
%hich borders on divinity. ShC; calls 
On thee. O truly styl'd the first of Gi-eeks, 
Hegard her call. Yon ciifF's projeethig head 
To thy discernment will afford a scope 
More full, more certain; thence thy skilful eye 
Will best direct the fight, Melissa's sire 
Was ever presentto the king in thought, 
Who thus to Medon. 'Lead Oileus' son. 
Before the daughter of Oileus place 
My willing feet.' They hasten to the eave. 
Megistias, Maron follow. Through the rock 
Leonidas, ascending to the fane, 
Rose like the god of morning from the cell 
Of night, when, shedding cheerfulness and day 
On hill and vale emblaz'd with dewy gems. 
He gladdens nature. Lacedssmon's king, 
Majestically graceful and senene, 
Dispels the rigour in that solemn seat 
Of holy sequestration. On the face 
Of pensive-ey'd x-eligion rapture glows 
In admiration of the god-like man. 
Advanc'd Melissa. He her proffer'd hand, 
In hue, in purity, like snow, receiv'd. 
A heav'n-illumin'd dignity of look ^ 

On him she fix'd. Rever'd by all, she spake. 

Hail! chief of men, selected by the gods 
For purer fame than Hercules acquir'd. 
This hour allows no pause. She leads the king 
With Medon, Maron, and Megistias down 
A slope, declining to the mossy verge. 
Which terminates the mountain. While they pass. 
She thus proceeds. These marble masses view. 
Which lie dispers'd around you. They were hewn 
From yonder quarry. Note those pond'rous beams. 
The silvan offspring of that hill. With these 
At my request tb' Amphictyons from their seat 



# 



12t 

©f geii'K\l council piously decreed 
To raise a dome, the orn ameiit of Greece. 
Observe those wither'd firs, those mould'ring oak9| 
Down that declivity, half-iooted, bent, 

Iimting human force Then look below. < 

There Hcff Thermopylse.' 'I seej exclaims 
The high-conceiving hero. I recall 
Tliy father's words and forecast. He presag'd, 
I should not find his daughter's comisel vain. 
He to accomplish what thy wisdora plans, 
Hath amplest pieans siipply'd. Go, Medon, bring 
The thousand peasants from th' Oilean vale 
Detach'd. Their leader Meliboeus bring. 
Fly, Maron. Ev'ry instrument provide 
To fell the trees, to drag the massy beams, 
To lift the broad-hewn fragments,' "Are not tliese 
For sacred use reserv'd, Megis(ias said? 
Can these be wielded by the hand of Mars 
Without jjollution?' In a solemn tone 
The priestess answer 'd. 'ilev'rend man, whobear'st 
Pontific v.'reaths, and thou, great captain, hear. 
Forbear to tliink, tliat my unpi'ompted jniud, 
Calm and sequesterM in religion's peace, ;, ^ -^ '"" 
Could have devis'd a stratagem of war; 
Or, unpermitted, couid resign to Mars 
These rich materials, guther'd to restoi 
In strength and splendor yon decrepid waf 
And that tiine-shakeu roof. Rejecting sleep, 
Last night I lay, contriving swift revenge 
On these Barbarians, whose career profane 
O'er turns the Grecian temples, and devotes 
Their holy bow'rs to flames. I left my couch, 
Long ere the sun his orient gates unbarr'd. 
Beneath yon beach my pensive head reclit«'d. 
The rivulets, the fountains, waiblir.g round, 
Attracted slumber. In a dwam I saw 
Calliope. Her sisters, all with harps, 
Were rang'd around her; as their Parian forms 
Shew in the temple. Dost thou sleep, she sai^U 
G 




31elissa. dost Ihou sleep? The barb'rous host 

'Approaches Greece. The first of Gi-ecians comes 

J3y death to vanquish. Priestess, let him hurl 

These marble heai)s, these consecrated beams, 

Our fane itself, to crush the impious ranks. 

The hero summon to our sacred hill. 

Reveal tlie promised succour. All is due 

To liberty against a tyrant's pride. 

She struck her shell. In concert full reply'dl 

5rhe sister lyres. Leonidas they sung 

In ey'i-y note and dialect yet known, 

In measures new, in language yet to come.' 

Shefinish'd. Then Megistias. 'Dear to heav'% 
By nations honor'd, and in tow'ring thought 
O'er either sex pre-eminent, thy words 
To me a soldier and a priest suffice. 
I hesitate no longer.' But the king, 
Wrapt in extatic contemplation stood, 
Revolving deep an answer, which might sui* 
His dignity and hers. At length he spake— 

'NotLacedsemon's whole collected state 
Of senate, people, ephori and kings, 
Kotthe Amphictyons, whose convention holds 
'.rhe universal majesty of Greece, 
P.'erdrew such rev'rence, as thy single forn^ 

all-surpassing woman, worthy child 
Of time-renown'd Oileus. In thy voice 

1 hear the goddess liberty. I see 
In thy sublimity of look and port 
^'hat daughter bright of Eleutherian Jovi?. 
itfe thou hast prais'd. My conscious spirit feejs. 
•That not to triumph in thy virtuous praise 
Were want of virtue. 'Yet, illustrious dam.e, 
Were l|^urd, that oracles delude; 

That, unavailing, I sheuld^spillmyblood; 
That all the Muses of subjected Greece 
Hereafter mouW be silent, «Hd «oy »?.iBe 



138 

Be ne'er transmitted to recording tinnej 
There is in virtue for her sake alone, 
Wliat should uphold my resolution firm. 
My country's laws I never would survive.' 

' Mov'd at his words, reflecting; on his fate, 
She had relax'd her dignity of mind, 
Had sunk in sadness; but her brother's helm 
Before her beams. Reluniining her night, 
He through the cave like Hesperus ascends, 
Th' Oilean hinds conducting- to achieve 
The enterpi'ise, she counsels. Now her ear 
Is pierc'd by notes, shrill sounding from the vault. 
Upstarts a diff'reut band, alert and light, 
Athenian sailors. Long and sep'rate files 
Of lusty shoulders, eas'd by union, bear 
Thick,^wel!-cojnpacted cables, wont to heave 
The restifF anchor. To a naval pipe, 
As if one soul invigorated all, Ai.. 

And all compos'd one body, they had trod W- 
In equal paces, mazy, yet unbroke .^ 

Throughout their passage. So the spinal strength 
Of some portentous serpent, whom the heats 
Of Libya breed, indissolubly knit, 
But flexible, a-cross the sandy plain, 
Or up the mountain draws his spotted length. 
Or where a winding excavation leads 
Through rocks abrupt and Mild. Of stature large. 
In aims, which sliew'd simplicity of strength. 
No decoration of redundant art. 
With sable horse-hair, floating downi his back, 
A warrior moves beliiiM. Composed in gait. 
Austerely grave and thoughtful, on his shield 
The democratic majesty he bore 
Of Athens. Cai'v'd in emblematic brass, 
He» image stood with Pallas by her side. 
And trampled under each victoiious foot 
A regal crown, one Persin, one usurpt 
By her o\vn tyrants, on the well-fought plai^ 



1£4! 
OF Marathon confouncled. He commands, 
These future guardians of their country's weal, 
Of gen'ral Greece the bulwarks. Their high deeds, 

l^roiiti Artemisium, from ih' erapurjiled shores 

^Of Salamis, renown shall echo wide; 
Shall tell posterity in latest times, 
That naval fortitude controuls the world. 
Swift Maron, following, brings a vig'rous band 
Of Helots. Ev'ry instrument they wield 
To delve, to hew, to heave; and active last 
Bpii^ti!^ MelibcEus, vigilant to urge 
Tlii&wdy forward. To Laconia's king 
Advanc'd Ih' Athenian leader, and began— 

'Thou godlike ruler of Eurctas,hail! 
Thee by my voice Tliemistocles salutes, 
The admiral^f Athens. I conduct 
By public'ciioice the squadron of my tribe, 
And aesehyliis am cail'd. Our chief hath glv'n 
Three ilays to glory on Eubcea 's coast, 
"Whose pl^montorjes almost rise to meet 
I'hy ken from Oeta's cliffs. This morning saw 
Tlie worsted foe, from Artemisium driv'n, 
Leave their disabled shiiis, and floating wrecks 
For Grecian trophies. When the tight was clos'd 
I was detach'd to bring th' auspicious news, 
To bid thee welcome. Fortunate my keel 
,;. Hath swiftly borne me. Joyful I concur 
' In thy attcinpt. Apprised by yonder chiefs, 
"Who met me landing, instant from the ships 
A thousand gallant mariners I drew, 
Who till tiie setting sun shall lend their toil.' 

'Themistocles and thou accept my heart,' 
Leonidasreply'd, and closely strain'd 
The brave, tlie learn'd Athenian to his bi-east. 
<To envy is ignoble, to admire 
Th' activity of Athens will become 
A king of Spartaj who like tliee condemn'd 



12^ 

His comntvy's sloth. But Sparta now is arm*d. 

Thou Shalt coinmand. Behold me station'd here 

To watch the wild vicissifudes of war, 

Direct the course of slaughter. To this post 

By that supeiior woinan I was call'd. 

By lone- protracted fight lest fainting Greece 

Should yield, outnuniber'd, my enlighten'd soul 

Through her, whom heav'u enlightens, hath devis'd 

To whelm the nnra'rous persevering foe 

1x1 hideous death, and signalize the day ■^: 

With liorrors ne>v' to war. The Muses prompt 

The blight achievement. Lo! from Athens smiles 

Minerva too. Her swift, aiispieious aid 

In thee we find, and these, an ancient race, 

By Iier and Neptune cherish'd.' Straight he meets 

'Ihe gallant train, majestic with his arms 

Outstretch'djin this applaudin^strain he spake— 

'O lib'ral people, earliest arin'd to shield 
Kot your own Athens more, than gen'ral Greece, 
You best deserve her gratitude. Her praise 
Will rank you foremost on the rolls of fame.' 

They hear, they gaze, revering and rever'd. 
Fresh numbers muster rushing from the liills, 
The thickets round. Melissa, pointing, spake. 

.#■' >' . :m 

'I am their leader. Natives of the hills 
Ave these, the rurj#"worshiijpers of Pan, 
Who breathes an ardour through their humble mind^s 
To join you warriors. Vassals these, not mine, 
.^tit of the Muses, and their hallow'd laws, 
Admiuistei^ by me. Their patient hands 
Make culture smile, where nature seems to chide; 
Nor wanting my instructions, orjny prtl^rs, 
Fertility they scatter by their toil 
-A^li^d this aged temple's wild domain: 
Is^eliboeus here! "hou fence secure 
To old Oileus fi'om the Qares of time,, ^ * 



1^6 
Thrice art thou welcome. Useful, wise, beiov'd, 
Whei'e'er thou sojournest, on Oeta known, 
As oft the bounty of a fathei-'s love 
Thou on Melissa's solitude dost pour, 
Be thou director of these mountain hinds.' 

Th' important labour to inspiring airs 
From flutes and harps in symjjhony with hjinns 
Of holy vir^ns, ardent all perfoi-m, 
In bands divided under difF'rent chiefs. 
Huge timbers, blocks of marble to remove 
They first attempted; then assembled stones 
Loose in their beds, and wither'd trunks, uptorn 
By tempests; next disraeraber'd from the rock 
Broad, rugged fragments; from the mountains hew^y 
Their venerable firs, and aged oaks, 
■yOiieh, of their branches by the light'ningbar'd, 
Presented still against the blasting flame 
'I heir hoai7 pride unshaken. Ihese the Greeks, 
But chief th' Athenian mariners, to force 
Uniting skill, with massy leavers heave, 
>Vith strong-knit cables drag: till, now dispos'd, 
"Where great Leonidas appoints, the piles 
Nod o'er the Straits. This new and sudden scene 
Might lift imagination to belief, 
That.prpheus and Amphion from their beds 
Of ever blooming asphodel had heard 
'Ihe Muses call; had brought their fabled harps 
At whose mellifluent charm once more the trees 
Had burst their fibrous bands, and marbles leap'd 
In rapid motion from the quarry's womb, 
That day to follow harmony in aid .^^ 

Of gen'rous valor. Fancy miglit discern 
Cerulean Tethys, from her coral grot 
Emerging, seated on her pearly car, 
With Nereids, floating on the surge below, 
To view in wonder from the Malian bay ^ 

The <Attic sons of Neptune; who forsook "•! 



127 

Their wooden walls to range th' Oetoean crags, 
To rend the forests, and disjoin the rock. 

Meantime a hundred sheep are slain. Tlieir limbs 
From burning piles fume grateful. Bounty spreads 
A decent board. Simplicity attends. 
Then spake the priestess— 'Long-enduring cliieCsj 
Your efforts now accomplish'd, may admit 
Refection due to this hard-laboiir"d train, 
Due to yourselves, Her hospitable smile 
Wins her well-chosen guests, Laconia's king, 
Her brother, Maron, /Eschylus divine 
With Acarnania's priest. Her first commands 
To Melibceus sedulous and blithe 
Distribute plenty through the toiling croud. 
Then, skreen'd beneath close umbrage of an oak. 
Bach care-divested chief the banquet shares.' 

Cool breezes, whisp'ring, flutter in the leaves, 
Whose verdure, pendent in an arch, ¥cpel 
The west'ring sun's hot glare. Favonius bland 
His breath impregnates with exhaling sweets 
From flow'ry beds, whose scented clusters deck 
Tl\e gleaming pool in view. Fast by, a brook 
In limpid lapses over native steps 
Attunes his cadence to sonorous strings, 
And liquid accents of Melissa's maids. 
The floating air in mtlody respires. 
A rapture mingles in the calm repast. 
Up lises /Eschylus. A^goblet full 
He grasps. 'To those divisji ties, who dwell 
In yonder temple, this libation first, 
To thee, benignant hostess, next I pour, 
Then to thy fame, Leonidas.' He said. 
His breast, with growing heat distended, prompts 
His eager hand, to whose expressive sign 
Cne of the virgins cedes her sacred lyre. 
Their choral song complacency restrains. 
The soul of music, bursting froiT^his touch, 
At once gives birth to sentiment sublime. 




±28 
'G Heseiilds, and Perseus,' he begaii, 
•iStar-spangled twins of Leda, and the rest 
Of Jove's immediate seed, your splendid acts 
Mankind protected, AvMle the race was rude; 
While o'er the earth's unciviliz'd extent 
The savage monster, and the ruffian sway'd^ 
More savage still. No policy, nor laws 
Had fram'd societies. By single strength 
A single ruffian, or a monster fell. 
Tlie legislator rose. Three lights in Greece^ 
Lycurgus, Solon and Zalencus blaz'd. 
'ihen^substituting wisdom, Jove profuse 
Of his ov\Ti blaod no longer, gave us more 
In discipline and manners, which can forna 
A hero like Leonidas, than all 
The god-begotten progeny before. 
The pupils next of Solon claim the muse. 
Soujid your hoarse conchs, ye Tritons. You beh£l3 
The Atlantean shape of slaughter wade 
TJnough your astonish'd deeps, his purple arm 
Uplifting high before th' Athenian line. 
Yon saw baight conquest, riding on the gale, 
"\V})ich swell'd their sails; saw terror at their helms 
To guide tlieir brazen beaks on Asia's pride. 
Her adamantine grapple from their decks 
Fate thre v, and ruin on the hostile fleet 
Inextricably fasten'd. Sound, ye nymphs 
Of Oeta's jnountains of her woods and streait^Sj 
Who hourly witness to Melissa?s worth, ;t. 
Ye Oreads, Dryads, Naiads, ^l^d her praise; 
Proclaim Zaleucus by his da^htergrac'd 
Like Solon and Lycurgus by their sops.' 

Laconia's hero, and the priestess bow'd 
Their foreheads grateful to the bard sublime* 
She, rising, takes the word. 'More sweet thy lyrer 
To friendship's ear, than terrible* to foes 
'Ihy spear in battle, though the keenest point, 
Which ever jjicrc'd Barbarians,. Close we here 



129 

The song and banquet. Hark ! a distant dia- 
From Asia's camp reqijives immediate eare.' 

She leads. Along the rocky verge they pass. 
In calm delight Leonidas surveys 
All in the oi-der, which he hist assign'd; 
As o"er Thermopylae heueatli he cast 
A wary look. The mountain's farthest crag 
>Jow reach'd, Melissa to the king began— 

'Observe that space below,, dispers'd in dales, 
In hollows, winding through dissevered rocks. 
The slendei* outlet, skreen'd by yonder shrubs. 
Leads to the pass. There stately to my view 
The martial queen of Caria yester sun, 
Descending, shew'd. Her loudly I reprov'd. 
But s!ie, devoted to the Persian king, 
In ambush there preserv'd his flying host. 
She last retreated ; but, retreating, prov'd 
Her valor equal to a better cause. 
Again I see the heroine approach,,' 

Megistias then— ^I see a powi'eil^aii'm. 
Sustaining firm tlie large, emblsiiiSBfn shieldj 
Which, fashion'd first in Cavia, we have learu'd 
To imitate in Greece. Sublime her port 
Bespeaks a mighty spirit. Priestess, look. 
An act of piety she now performs, 
Directing those, perhaps her Carian band, 
To bear dead brethren from the bloody field* 
Among the horsemen an exalted form 
Like Demaratus strikes my searching eye. 
To me, recalling hia transcendent rank 
In Sparta once, he seemsa languid sun. 
Which dimly sinks in exhalations dark, 
Enveloping his radiance.' While he spake, 
Inteut on martial duty Medon ^iews 
The dang'rous thicket; Lacedsemon's chiei^ 
Afound the region his consid'rate eye 
G 2 



. ^ftf 



130 

Extending, mavks each movement of the foe. 

Th' imperial Persian from his lofty ear 
Had in the morning's early xjonflict seen 
His vanquish'd army, pouring from the straits 
Back to their tents, and o'er his camp dispers'd 
In consternation; as a riA'er bursts 
Impetuous from his fountain, then, enlarg'd, 
Spreads a dead surface o'er some level marsh. 
Til' astonish'd king thrice started from his seat; 
Shame, fear and indignation rent his breast; 
As ruin irresistable wei'e near 
To overwhelm his millions. 'Haste,' he calPd 
To Hyperanihes, 'haste and meet the Greeks. 
Their daring rag^, their insolence repel. 
$"rom sueh dishonor vindicate our name.' 

His royal brother through th' extensive camji 
Obedient mov'd. Deliberate and brave, 
Each active prince from ev'ry tent remote, 
The hardiest troops he summou'd. Caria's queen. 
To Hyperantlies bound by firm esteem 
Of worth, unrivaled in the Persian court, 
In solemn pace was now returning slow 
Before a band, transporting from the field 
Their slain companions to the sandy beach. 

She stopp'd, and thus address'd him— 'Learn, O prince. 
From one, whose wishes on thy merit wait, 
The only means to bind thy gallant brow 
In fairest wreatlis. To break the Grecian line 
In vain ye struggle, unarray'd and lax, 
Depriv'd of union. Try to form one band 
In order'd ranks, and emulate the foe. 
Nor to secure a thicket nest the pass 
Forget. Selected numbei*s station there. 
Farewell, young hero. May thy fortune proT« 
Unlike to mine. Had Asia's millions spar'd 
One myriad to sustain me, none had seen 
Me quit the dau^ rous contests But tlie hearf 
Of base-Argestes on some future day 



131 

Shall fed ray treasur'd vengeance . From the fleet 
I only stay, till b»U'ial rites are paid 
To these dead Caiians. On this fatal strand 
May Artemisia's grief a})ijease your ghosts, 
JMy faithful subjects, sacrific'd in vain.' 

The hero grateful and respectful heard, 
■\Vhat soon his warmth neglected at the sight 
Of spears, which flam'd innumerable round. 
Beyond the rest in lustre was a band, 
Tlie satellites of Xerxes. They forsook 
Their constant orbit round th' imperial throng 
At this dread crisis. To a myi'iad fix'd, 
From their unchanging number they-deriv'd 
The title of immortalsi Light their spears; . 
Set in pomegranates of refulgent gold, 
Or burnish'd silver, were tlie sleiider blades, 
Magnificent and stately were the ranks. 
The prince, commanding mute attention, spake-" 

'In two divisions XJart your number, chiefs. 
-V One will I lead to onset. In my ranks 
.. ^.Abroeomes, Hydarnes shall advance, 
f: Mandates, Miiidus, Intapherues brave 

To wrest this short-liv'd victory from Greece. 

Thou Abradates, by Sosanncsjoin'd, 

Orontes and Mazseus, keep the rest 

From action. Future succour they must lend, 

Should envious fate exhaust our num'rous files* 

For, O pure Mitlua, may tliy radiant eye 

Ne'er see us, yicWiiig to ignoble flight, 

'1 he Persian name dishonor. May th© acts 

Of our reuown'd progenitors, who, led 

]Jy Cyrus, gave one monarch to the east, 

In ns revive. O think, ye Persian lords, 

What endless infamy will blast your names ; 

Should Greece, that narrow portion of tlie ca rth. 

Your pow'r defy ; when Babylon hath low'rd 

il^i' tow'ring crestj when Lydia's pride is quell'd 



132 

In Crceras vanquish'd, when her empire lest 
Ecbatana deplores. Ye chosen guard. 
Your king's immortal bulwark, O reflect, 
What deeds from j'our superior swords he claims- 
You share his largest bounty. To your faith, 
Your constancy and prowess he commits 
His throne, his person, and this day his fame.' 

They wave their banners, blazing in the sun, 
"Who then three hours tow'rd Hesperus had driv'n 
Prom his meridian height. Amid their shout* 
The hoarse-resounding billows are not heard. 
Of diff 'rent nations, and in different garb, 
Innumerous and Vary'd like the shells, 
By restless Te thy s scatter'd on the beach, 
O'er which they trod, the multitude adyanc'd, 
Straight by Leonidas descry'd. The van 
Abroeomes and Hyperanthes led, 
Pandates, Mindus. Violent their march 
Sweeps down the rocky, hollow-soundi)ig pass. 
So, where the unequal globe in mountains swells 
A torrent rolls his thund'ring surge between 
The steep erected clitfs ; tumultuous dash 
The waters, bursting on the pointed crags : 
llie valley roars ; the marble channel foams . 
Th' undaunted Greeks immoveably withstand 
The dire encounter. Soon th' impetuous shock 
Of thousands and of myriads shakes the ground. 
Stupendous scene of terror I Under hills, 
Wliose sides, half-arching, o'er the hosts project, 
The unabating fortitude of Greece 
Maintains her line, th' untrain'd Barbarians charge 
In savage fury. With invei-ted trunks, 
Or bent obliquely from the shagged ridge, 
The silvan horrors overshade the fight. 
The clanging trump, the crash of mingled spear^j, 
The groan of deatli, and war's discordant shouts 
Alarm the echoes in their neighb'ring caves; 

"V^'oods, eliijs and shores return tjie dreadful sounds,; 



K 



JLEONTDAS 

BOOK VIH. 



ARGUMENT. 

Hyperanthes, tliscontinuiug the fight, while he waits for 
re-enforcements, Teribazus, a Persian remarkable 
for his merit and learning, and highly lieloved by Hy- 
peranthes, but unhappy in his passion for Ariana, a 
da»ighter of Darius, advances from the rest of the ar- 
my to the rescue of a friend in distress, Mho lay wound- 
ed on the Held of battle. Teribazus is attacked by 
Diophantus, the Mantinean, whom he overcomes;, 
tlicn engaging with Dithyrambus, is himself si 
Hyperanthes hastens to his succour. A general bat^ 
ensues, where Dioraedon distinguishes his valour. 
Hyperanthes and Abrocomes, partly by their own ef- 
forts, and partly by the perfidy of the Thebans, who 
desert the line, being on^the point of forcing the Gr^~^ n 
cians, are repulsed by the Lacedaemonians. Hyperan- . • - 
thes composes a select body out of tlje Persian stand* -"..^ 
ing forces, and, making an improvement in their dis— 7«' 
cix)line, renews the attack; upon Vhich Leonidas 
changes the disposition of his army: Hyperanthes and 
the ablest Persian generals are driven out of the field, 
and several thousands of the barbarians, circumvent- 
ed in the pass, are entirely destroyed. 



^ 



LEONID AS. 



BOOK VIII. 

jf\ MID the van of Persia was a youth, 

NaanM Tcribazus, not for goldea stores, 

Not for wide pastures, travCTs'd o'er by hei'dSj 

By fleece-abounding sheep, or gen'rous steeds, 

Nor yet for poAv'r, nor splendid honors fam'd. ^^ 

Rich was his mind in ev'ry art divine; 

Througli ev'ry path of science liad he walk'd. 

The votai7 of wisdom. In the years, 

When tender dowu invests the ruddy cheek, 

He with the Magi turn'd i\\e liallow'd page 

Of Zoroastres. Then his tow'i-ing thoughts 

High on the phimes of contemplation soar'd. 

He from the lofty Babjioniaji fane , 

With leam'd Chaldseans trac'd the heayloly sphere," 

There numbers o'er the vivid Rres, v hich gleam 

On night's bespangled bosom. Nor unlieard 

Were Indian sages from sequester'd bow is, 

While on the banks of Ganges they disclos'd 

The pow'rs of nature, whether in the woods, 

Tlie fruitful glebe, or flow'r,the healing plantj 

The limpid waters, or the ambient air, 

Or in the purer element of fire. 

The realm of old Sesostris next he view'd, 

Mysterious ^Egypt with her hidden rites 

Of Isis and Osiris. Last he sought 

Th' Ionian Greeks, from xithens sprung, nor pass"<l 

Miletus by, which once in rapture heard 

The tongue ofThales, nor Priene's walls, 

Where wisdom dwelt with Bias, nor the seat 

Of Pittacus rever'd on Lesbian shores. 

Th' enlightened youth to Susa now retiixn'd^ 
PJace of his birth. His merit soon was deat 



1S6 

To Hyperantlies. It was now the time, 

That discontent and. murmur on the banEs 

Of Nile were loud and threat'ning. Chembes there 

lliea only faithful stood, a potent lord, 

Whom Xerxes held by promis'd nuptial ties 

"With his own blood. To this .Egyptian prince 

Bright Ariana was the destin'd spouse, 

From the same bed with ypHeranthesborn» 

Among her guards was Terizabus nam'd 

By that fond brother, tend^|%f her weal. 

Th' Egyptian boundaries they gain. They hear 
Oflnsurrection, of the Pharian tribes 
In arms, and Cliembes in the tumult slain. 
They pitch their tents, at midnight are assail'dj 
Surpris'd, their leaders massaci'ed, the slaves 
Of Ariana captives borne away, 
Her own pavilion forc'il, her person seiz'd 
By ruffian hands: when timely to redeem 
Her and th' invaded camp from further spoil 
Flies Terizabus vfiih a rally'd band, 
Swift on her chariot seats the royal fail', 
Nor waits tjie dawn. Of all her menial train 
None, but three female slaves are left. Her guid^. . 
Her comforter and guardian, fbte provides 
In him, distinguish d by his worth alone, 
No prince, nor satrap now the single chief 
Of her surviving guard. Of regal birth, 
But with excelling giaces in her soul, 
"Unlike an eastern princess she inclines 
To his consoling, his instructive tongue 
An humbled ear. Amid the converse sAveet 
Her charms, her mind, her vii'tues he explore?. 
Admiring. Soon is admiration chai>g'd 
To love; nor loves he sooner, than despairs. 
From morn to e'n her j)assjng wheels he guards''- 
Back to Euphrates. Often, as she mounts. 
Or quits the car, his arm her weight sustains 
With trembling pleasure. His assiduous hand - 



igrew) purest fountains wafts the living flood. 

Nor seldom by the fair one's soft command 

Would he repose him, at her feet reclin'd; 

While o'er his lips her lovely forehead bow'd, 

Won by his grateful elo,qiien(|fej Avhich sooth'd 

With sweet vaiiety the tedio^is march, 

Beguiling time. He too would then forget 

His pains awhile, in raptures vain entranc'dj 

Delusion all, and fleeting rays of joy, 

Soon overcast by more intense despair; 

Like wintry clouds, which, op'ning for a time, 

'i^inge their black folds witk gleams of scatter'd light; 

Then, swiftly closing, on the brow of morn 

Condense their horrors, and in thickest gloom 

The ruddy beauty veil. They now apjproacli 

The tow'r of Belus. Hyperantlies leads 

I'hrough Babylon an army to chastise 

The crime of .^gj^t. Teribazus here 

Parts froni his piincess, marches bright in steel 

Beneath his patron's banner, gathers palms 

On conquer'd Nile. To Susa he returusj 

To Ariana's residence, and bears 

Deep in his heart th' immedicable wound. 

But unreveal'd and silent was his pain; 5(j| 

Nor yet in solitary shades he roara'd, 

Nor shijui'd resort: but o'er his sorrows cast 

A sickly dawn of gladness, and in smiles ...^ 

Conceal'd his anguish; while the secret flas^*; - 

Hag'd in his bosom, and its peace consum'd; 

His soul stai brooding o'egthese mournful thoughts , 

' Can I, O wisdom, find relattf in thee, 
Who dost approve my passion.' From the snares 
Of beauty only thou wouldst guard my heart, 
fiut here thyself art charm'd; where softness, gracej 
And ev'iy virtue dignify desire. t 

Yet thus to love, despairing to possess, 
Of all the torments, by relentless f^te 
On Hfe inflicted, is the most seteiCi 



13S 

,» Do I not feel thy M'aniings in my breast, 
That Hight alone can save me? I will go 
Back to the leai'n'd Chaldeans, on the banks 
Of Ganges seek the sages; where to heav'n 
With thee my elevated soul shall tow'r. 
O wretched Teribazus! all conspires 
Against thy peace. Our mighty lord prepares 
To overwhelm the Grecians. Ev'ry youth 
Is caird to war; and I, who lately pois'd 
With no inglorious arm the soldier's lance, 
Wlio near the side of Hyperanthes fought, 
Must join the throng. How therefore can I fly 
From Ariana, who with Asia's queens 
The splendid camp of Xerxes must adorn? 
Then be it so. Again I will adore 
Her gentle virtues. Her delightful voice, 
Her gracious sweetness shall again diffuse 
Resistless magic through my ravish'd heart; 
Till passion, thus with double rage enflam'd. 
Swells to destruction in my tortur'd breast, 
Then— but in vain through dax'kness do I search 
My fate— despair and fortune be my guides.' 

■ P 

The day arriv'd, when Xei*xes first advanc'd 

His arms from Susa's gates. The Persian dames, 

So were accustom'd all the eastern fair, 

In sumpt uous cars accompany'd his march, 

A beauteous train, by Ariana grac'd. 

Her Teribazus follows, on her wheels 

Attends and pines. Such woes oppress the youtli, 

Oppress but not enervate. From the van 

He in this second conflict had withstood 

The threat'ning frown of adamantine Mars, 

He singly, while his bravest friends recoil'd. 

His manly temples no tiara bound. 

The slender lance of Asia he disdain'd. 

And her light target. Eminent he tow' rd, 

In Grecian arms the wonder of his foes; 

Among th' lonians were lus strenuous linibs 



139 
Train'd in tlie gymnic school. A fulgent casque 
Inclos'd his head. Before his face and chest 
Dowii to the knees an ample shield was spread. 
A pond'rous spear he shook. The well aim'd point 
Sent two Phliasians to the realms of death 
With four Tegseans, whose indignant chief, 
Brave Htgesander, vengeance hreath'd in vain, 
With streaming vi ounds vepuls'd. Thus far unmatci . 
Nis arm prevail'd; when Hyperauthes cali'd 
From fight his fainting legions. Now each band 
Their languid courage reinforc'd by rest. 
Mean time with reiibazus thus conferi'd 
Th' applauding prince, ' Thou much deserving youtlij 
Had twenty warriors in the dang'rous van 
Like thee maintain'd the onset, Greece had wept 
Her prostrate ranks. The weai-y'd fight awl^ile 
I now relax, till Abradates strong. 
Orontes and Mazseus are advanc'd. 
'I'hen to the conflict will I give no pause. 
If not by prowess, yet by endless toil 
Successive numbers shall ejiliaust the foe.' 

He said. Immers'd in sadness, scarce reply *d. 
But to himself complain'd the ^'ruus youth. 

' Still do I languish, mourning o'er the fame. 
My arm acquires. Tormented heart! thou seat 
Of constant sori'ow, what deceitful smiles 
Yet canst thou borrow from unreal hope 
To (latter life.' at Ariana's feet 
What if with supplicating knees I bow, 
Implore her pit}', and reveal iny love. 
Wretch! canst thou climb to yon:.pi!FuIgent orb, 
And sliare the splendours, which irradiate heav'u? 
Dost thou aspire to that exalted maid. 
Great Xerxes' sister, rivaling the claim 
Of Asia's proudest potentates and kingsf 
Unless within her bosom I inspir'd 
A passion feirvent, as my own, pny more, 



140 

Such, as dispelling ev'i-y virsfin fear, 
Might, iinrestiain'd, disclose its fond desire, 
My love is hopeless; and her willing; hand, 
Should she bestow it, draws from Asia's lord 
On both perdition. By despair benumb'd, 
His limbs their action lose. A wish for death 
O'ercasts and chills his soul. When sudden cries 
From Ariamnes rouse his drooping pow'rs. 
Alike in manners they of equal age 
Were friends, and partners in the glorious toil 
Of Avar. Together they victorious chas'd 
The bleeding sons of Nile, when .-Egypt's pride 
Before the sword of Hyperanthes fell. 
That lov'd companion Teribaziis views 
By all abandon "d, in his gore outstretch 'd 
The victors spoil. His languid sjiirit starts; 
He rushes ardent from the Persian line; 
The wounded warrior in his strong embrace 
He bears away. By indignation stung. 
Fierce froai the Grecians Diophantus sends 
A loud defiance. Teribazus lejives 
His rescu'd ii-iend. His massy sliield he resrsj 
High-brandJ^iins' his fonnidable spear, 
He turns intrepid on t]i'%pproaching foe. 
Amazement follows. On he strides, and shakes 
The plumed honors of his sliining crest. 
Th' ill-fated Greek awaits th' unequal fight, 
Pierc'd in the throat, with sounding arms he falls. 
Through ev'iy file the Mantireans mourn- 
Long on the slain the victor fix'd his sight > 
With these reflections. By thy splendid arms^' 
Thou art a Greek «f ,no ignoble rank. 
From thy ill fortun^ perhaps derive 
A more conspicuous lustre— What if heav'n 
Should' add new victims, such as thou, to grace 
My undesemng hand? Who knows, but she 
Might smile upon my trophies. Oh! vain thoughtf 
I see the pride of Asia's inonarch swell 
With vengeance fatal^ her beauteous head. 



I5Ispe?se, ye pnai^m hopes. Too long, torn heart. 

Hast thou with grief contended. Lo! 1 plant 

My foot this moment on the verge of death, 

By fame invited, by despair impell'd 

I'o pass til' irremeable bound. No more 

Shall Teribazus backward turn his step, 

But here conclude his dbom. Then cease to heave. 

Thou troubled bosom, ev'ry thought be calm 

Kow at th' approach of everlasting peace.' 

He ended; when a mighty foe drew nigh, 
Not less, than Dithyraanbus. Ere they .join'd; 
The Persian warrior to the Greek began. 

'Alt thou th' unconquerable chief, who m^wYl 
Our battle downf That eagle on thy shield 
Too well proclaims thee. To attempt thy force 
I rashly puriios'd. That my single arm * 
Thou deign'stto nieet, accept my thanks, and know, 
The thought of Bonqutst less employs my soul, 
Than adniiiaiiou of thy gloriovfs deeds. 
And thathy tiioe 1 cannot I'ail disgrac'd.' 

He ceas'd. These words the Thespian youth return'd 
Of ail the praises from thy gen'rous mouth 
The only portion, my desert may claim, 
[s this my bold adventure to cokfront ^Sl^ 

rhee, yet unmatch'd. What Grecian hath not mark'd 
Thy flaming steel.' From Asia's boundless camp 
Not one hath equall'd thy victorious might. 
|But whence thy armour of the Grecian form? 
i¥hei!ce thy tall spear, thy heimef? "Whence the weight 
3f that strong shield? Unlike thy eastern friends, 
5 if tliou be'st some fugitive, who, lost 
To liberty and virtue, ait become 
I tyrant's vile stipendiary, that arm, 
That valour thus triumphant I deplore, # 

Fhich after all their efforts and success 
Oesei've no honor from the gods, or men,' 



142 

Here Teribazus in a sigh rejoin 'd. 
' I am to Greece a stranger, am a wretch 
To thee unknown, who courts this hour to die, 
Yet not ignobly, but in death to raise 
My name from darkness, while I end my woes/ 

The Grecian then. ' I \]ew thee, and I mourn. 
A dignity, which virtue only bears, 
Firm resolution, seated On thy brow, 
Though grief hath dimm'd thy drooping eye, demand 
My veneration; and, whatever be 
The malice of thy fortune, what the cares, 
Infesting thus thy quiet, they create 
Within my breast the pity of a friend. 
Why theni ^'onstraiiiing my reluctant hand 
To act against thee, will thy might support- 
Th' unjust ambition of jialignant kings, 
The foes to virtue, liberty and peace.' 
Yet free from rage, or enmity I lift 
My adverse-weapon. Victory I ask. 
Thy life may fate for happier days reserve.^ 

This said, their beaming lance they protend, 
Of hostile hate, or f ury^oth devoid. 
As on the Istluhian or Olympic sands 
For fame alone contending. Either host, 
Pois'd on their arms, in silent wonder gaze. 
The fipit commences. Soon the Grecian speai;, 
Which, all the day in constant battle worn. 
Unnumbered shields and corselets had transfix'd, 
Against the Persian buckler, shiv'ring, bieaks, 
Its master's arm disamiing- Then began 
The sense of honor, and the dread of shame 
To swell in Dithyrambus. Undismay'd, 
He grappled with his foe, and instant seiz'd 
His threat'ning spear, before th' uplifted arm 
Could execute the meditated wound. 
The weapon burst between their struggling grasp. 
Their hold they loosen, bare their shining swords, 



143 

With equal swiftness to defend, or cbargfe 
Each active youth advances or recedes. 
On ev'ry side they traverse. Now direct. 
Obliquely now the wheeling blades descend; 
Still is the conflict dubious; when the Greek, 
Dissembling, points his falchion to the ground. 
His arm dejiressing, as o'ercome by toil: 
Wliile with his buckler cautious he repels 
The blows, repeal^ by his active foe. 
Greece ti'embles fbTlier hero. Joy pervades 
The ranks of Asia; Hyperanthes strides 
Before the Hue, preparing to receive 
Kis friend triumphant: while the wary Greek 
Calm and defensive bears th' assault. At lastj 
As by til' incautious fury of his strokes, 
The Persian swung his cov'ring shield aside, 
The fatal moment Dithyrambus seiz'd. 
Light darting forward with his feet outstretch'd, 
Between th' unguarded ribs he plung'd his steely 
Affection, grief and terror wing the speed 
Of Hyperanthes. From his bleeding foe 
The Greek retires, not distant, and awaits 
The Persian prince. But he with watry cheeks 
In speecliless anguish clasps his dying friend; 
Fi'om whose cold lij) with interrupted phrase 
These accents break. ' O dearest, best of men! 
Ten thousand thoughts of gratitude and love 
Arc struggling in my heart— O'evpow'ring fate 
Denies my voice the ntt'rance— O my friend! 

Hyperanthes! Hear my tongue unfold 

WTiat, had I liv'd, thou never should'st have knowij. 

1 lov'd thy sister. With despair I lov'd. 
Soliciting this honorable doom, 
Without regret in Persia's sight and thine 
i fall.' Th' inexorable hand of fate 

Weitrhs down his eye-lids, and the gloom of de^th 
His fleeting light eternally o'ershades. 
Him on Choaspes o'er the blooming verge 
A fraotJc laother j§hall bewail; shall strew 



144. 

■V silvei tresses, in the crystal wave: 
While all the shores x-e-echo to the namfc, 
Of leribazus lost. Th' afflicted prince, 
Contemplating in tears the pallid corse, 
Vents in these words the hitterness of grief. 

' Oh! TeMbazusIjOh! my friend whose loss 
I will deplore for ever. Oh! what pow'r, 
Byw^e. hy thee oifended, clos'd thy^i^t 
To Hyperanthes in distrust unkind! 
She yiroiftld, she must have lov'd thee— now no moi'e 
"laly placid virtues, thy instructive tongue 
Shall drop their sweetness on my secret hours. 
Biit in complaints doth friendship waste the time, 
Wliich to immediate vengeance should be given ?' 

He ended, rushing furious on the Greek; 
Who, while his gallant enemy espir'd, 
While Hyperanthes tendei-Iy receiv'd 
The last embraces of his gasping friend, 
Stood nigh, reclin'd in sadness on his shield, 
And in the j)ride of victory repin'd. 
Unmark'd, his foe approach 'd. But forward sprung 
Diomedon. Before the Thespian youth 
Aloft he rais'd his targe, and loudly thus. 

'Hold thee. Barbarian, from a life more worth, 
*l'han thou and Xerxes with his host of slaves ' 

His words he seconds with his rapid lance. 
Soon a tremendous conflict had ensu'd; 
But Intaphernes, Mindus, and a croud 
Of Persian lords, advancing, fill the space 
Betwixt th' encount'riug chiefs. In mutual wrath, 
With fruitless efforts they attempt tlie fight. # 
So rage two bulls along th' opposing banks 
Of some deep flood, which parts the fruitful mead-. 
Defiance thundex's frouj their angiy raoiiths 






145 

111 vain: in vain the furrcw'd sod they rend; 
"Wide rolls the stream, and intercepts the war. 

As by malignant fortune if a drop 
Of moisture mingles with a burning mass 
Of liquid metal, instant show'rs of death 
On ev'ry side th' exploding fluid spreads; 
So disappointment irritates the flame 
Of fierce Plataea's chief, whose vengeance bursts 
In wide destruction. Erabas, Daueus fall, 
Arsseus, Ochus, Mendes, Artias die; 
And ten most hardy of th' immortal guard, 
To shivers breaking on tlie Grecian shield 
Their gold-embellish'd weapons, raise a mound 
O'er thy pale body, O in prime destroy'd, 
Of Asia's garden once the fairest plan*, 
Fall'n Tei-ibazus! Thy distracted friend 
From this thy temporary tomb is dragg'd 
By forceful zeal of satraps to the shore ; 
Where then the brave Abrocomes arrang'd 
ITie succours new, by Abradates brought, 
Orontes and Mazaeus. Turning swift, 
Abrocomes inform'd his brother thus. 

'Strong reinforcement from th' immortal guai'd 
Pandates bold to Intapherues leads, 
111 charge to hanass by perpetual toil 
Those Grecians next the mountain. Thou unite 
To me thy valour. Here the hostile ranks 
Less stable seenii Our joint impression try; 
Let all the weight of battle here impend. 
Bouse, Hyperanthes. Give regret to winds. 
Who hath not lost a friend this direful day? 
Let not our private cares assist tlie Greeks 
Too strong already; or let sorrow act: 
Mourn and revenge, fhese animating words 
Seiid Hypera.'ithes to the foreniost line. 
His vengeful ardor Wads. The battle joins* 



146 

Who stemm'd this tide of onset? "Who imbru'd 
His sliining spear the first in Persian blood? 
Eupalamus. Artembares he slew 
"With Derdas tierce, whom Caucasus had rear'd 
On his tempestuous brow, the savage sons 
Of violence and rajiine. But their doom 
yires Hyperanthes, whose vindictive blade 
Arrests the victor in his haughty course. 
Beneath the strong Abrocomes o'erwhelrn'd, 
IVIelissus swells the number of the dead, 
I^one could Mycenge boast of prouder birth, 
Than young Melissus, who in silver mail 
The line embellish 'd. He in Cirrha's mead, 
Where liigh Parnassus from his double top 
O'ershades the Pythian games, the envy'd prize 
Of fame obtain'd. Low sinks his laurell'd head 
In death's cold nightj and horrid gore deforms 
The graceful hair. Impatient to revenge 
Aristobulus strides before the van. 
A storm of fuiy darkens all his brow. 
Around he rolls his gloomy eye. For death 
Is Alyattes mark'd, of regal blood, 
Deriv'd from Croesus, once imperial lord 
Of nations. Him the nymphs of Halys wept; 
"When, with delusive oracles beguil'd 
l^y Delphi's god, ne ])ass'd their fatal waves 
A niightj' empire to dissolve: nor knew 
Th' ill-destin'd prince, tliat envious fortune wa,tcl\d 
That direful moment from his hand to wrest 
The sceptre of his fathers. In the shade 
Of Vuuible life his race on Tmolus' brovir 
Lay liid; till, rous'd to battle, on this tield 
Sinks Alyattts, and a royal breed 
In him extinct forever. Lycis dies, 
For boist'rous w ar ill-chosen. He was skill'd 
To tunc the lulling ttute, and melt the heart, 
Oi* with his pipe's awak'ning strain allure 
The lovely dances of Lydia to the dance. 
They oij the veidaut level graceful niov'd 



in tH^cI measures; while the cooling breeze 
beneath their swelling garments vvanton'd o'er 
Their snowy breasts, and smooth Cayster's stream, 
Soft gliding, murmur'd by. The hostile blade 
Draws forth his entrails. Prone he falls. Not long 
The victor triumphs. From the prostrate corse 
Of Lyeis while insulting he extracts 
The reeking weapon, Hyperanthes' steel 
Invades his knee and cuts the sinewy cords." 
The Mycenasai'.s with uplifted shields, 
Corinthians and Phiiasiaiis close around 
The wounded chieftain. In redoubled rage 
The contest glows. Abrocomes incites 
Each noble Persian. Each his voice obeys. 
Here Abradates, there Mazseus press, 
Orontes and Hydarnes. None retire 
From toil, or peril. Urg'd on ev'ry side, 
^Mycenae's band to fortune leave their chief. 
Despauing, raging, destitute he stands, 
Propt on his s])ear. His wound forbids retreat. 
None, but his brother, Eumenes, abides 
The dire extremity. His studded oi-b 
Is held defensive. On his arm the sword 
Of Hyperanthes rapidly descends. 
35own drops the buckler, and the sever'd hand 
Resigns its holil. The unprotected pair 
By Asia's hero to the ground are swept; 
As to a reaper crimson poppies low'r 
I'heir heads luxuriant on the yellow plain. 
From both their breasts the vital currents flow, 
And ]nix their streams. Elate the Persians pour 
Their numbers, deep'ning on the foe dismay'd. 
The Greeks tlieir station painfully maintain. 
This Anaxander saw, whose faithless tongue 
His colleague Leontiades besiiake. 

'The hour is come to sei-ve our Persian friends. 
Behold, the Gi'eeks are press'd. Let Thebes retire', 
A bloodless conquest yielding to the kinig,' 



148 

'fbis said, he drew his Thebans from their pc 
Not with unpunish'd treachery. The lance 
Of Abradates gor'd their foul retieat; 
Nor knew the Asian chief, that Asia's friends 
Befoi'e him bled. Mean time, as mighty Jove, 
Or he more ancient on the throne of heav'n, 
When from the womb of Cliaos dark the world 
Emei'g'd to birth, where'er he view'd the jar 
Of atoms yet discordant and unform'd, 
Coitfuslon thence with pow'rfu! voice dispell'd, 
n^'ill light and order universal reign'd; 
So from the hill Leonidas survey'd 
The various war. He saw the Theban routj 
That Corinth, Phlius and Mycenae look'd 
Affrighted backward. Instantly his charge 
Is borne by Maron, whom obedience wings, 
Precipitating down the sacred cave, 
That Sparta's ranks, advancing, should repaiiT 
The disunited phalanx. Ere they move, 
Dieneces inspires them. Fame, my friends. 
Calls forth your valour in a signal hour. 
For you this glorious crisis she reserv'd, 
I.aconia's splendour to assert. Youtig man, 
SoT» of Megistias, f jIIo'v He conducts 
Th' experienc'd trooj « Tiiej' 'ock their shields and wedg'd 
In dense arrangement, repossess the void. 
Left by the faithless Thebans, and repulse 
Th' exulting Persians. When with efforts vain 
These oft renew'd the contest, and recoil'd, 
As oft confounded with diininish'd i*anks; 
Lo! Hyperanthes blush 'd, repeating late 
The words of Artemisia. 'I.eam, O cliief^ 
The only means of glory and success. 
Unlike the others, whom we newly chas'd. 
These are a band, selected froin the Greeks, 
Perhaps the Spartans, who.ii we oftei> hear 
By Demaratus prais'd. To breai heir line 
'In vain we struggle, unan'ay'daiKl las, 



149 

Depriv'd of union. Do not we preside 
O'er Asia's armies, and our courage boast. 
Our martial art above the vulgar herd? 
Xet us, ye chiefs, attempt in oi-derM ranks 
To form a troop and emulate the foe.' 

They wait not dubious. On the Malian shore 
In gloomy deptli a column soon is form'd 
Of all the nobles, Abradates strong, 
Orontes bold, Mazseus. and the might 
Of brave Abroconies with each, who bore 
The highest honors, and excell'd in arms; 
Themselves the lords of nations, who before 
The throne of Xerxes tributary bow'd. 
To these succeed a chosen number, drawn 
From Asia's legions, vaunted most in fight; 
Who from their king perpetual stipends shar^; 
Who, station'd round tlie provinces, by force 
His tyranny uphold. In ev'ry part 
Is Hyperanthes active, ardent seen 
Throughout the hugt battalion. He adjusts 
Their equal range, then cautious, lest on marek 
Their unaccustom'd order should relax, 
Full in the center of the foremost rank 
Orontes plants, committing to his hand 
Th' imperial standard; whose expanded folds. 
Glow'diu the air, presenting to the sun 
The richest dye of Tyre. The royal bird 
Amid the gorgeous tincture shone express'd 
In high embroider'd gold. The wary prince 
On this couspicuous, leading sign of war 
Cojumands each satrap, posted in the van, 
To fix his eye regardful, to direct 
By tliis alone his even pace and slow, 
Ketiriug or advancing. So the star. 
Chief of the spangles on that fancy'd bear, 
Once an Idaian nj'mph, and nurse of Jove, 
Bright Cynosurato the Boreal pole 
Attracts the sailot's eye; when distance hide? 



TJhe headland signals, and her guiding wiyj 
New-ris'n, she thi'ows. The hero next appoints, 
That ev'17 watrior through the length'ning files. 
Observing none, but those before him plac'd, 
Shall watch their motions, and their steps pursue. 
Nor is th' important thicket next the pass 
Forgot. Two thousand of th' immortal guard 
That station seize. His orders all perform'd, 
Close by the standard he assumes his post. 
Intrepid thence he animates his friends, 

'Heroic chieftains, whose uneonquer'd force _ 
Rebellious ^gypt,and the Libyan felt," 
Think, what the splendour of your former deeds 
From you exacts. Remember, from the great 
"Illustrious actions are a debt to fa» tie. 
No middle path remains for tliem to tread, 
Whom she hath once ennobled. Lo! tiiis day 
By troplues new will signalize your names, 
Or in dishonor will forever cloud.' 

He said, and vig'rous all to fight proceed. 
As, when tempestuous Eurus stems the weight 
Of western Neptune, struggling through the straits^ 
Which bound Aic^des' labours, here the storm 
With rapid wing reverberates the tidt; 
There the contending surge with furiow'd tops 
To mountains swells, and> whehning o'er the beach 
On either coast, impells the hoary foam 
On Mauritanian and Iberian strands. 
Such is the dreadful onset. Persia keeps 
Her foremost ranks unbroken, which are fill'd 
By chosen warriors; while thenum'rous croud, 
Though still promiscuous pouring from behind, 
Give weight and pressure to tli' embattled chiefs^ 
Despising danger. Like the mural strength 
Of some proud city, bulwark'd round and arm'd 
With rising tow'rs to guard her wealthy stores, 
Iiuraovesible, impenetrable stood 



151 

Laconic's serry'd phalanx. In their face 
Grim tyranny her threat'niug fetters shalteS) 
lied havoc grinds insatiable his jaws. 
Greece is behind, entrusting to their swords 
Her laws, her freedom, and the sacred urns 
Of their forefathers. Present now to though)? 
Their altars rise, the mansions of their birth, 
Whate'erthey honor, venerate and love. 

Briglit in the Persian van tli' exalted lance 
Of Hyperanthes flam'd. Beside him press'd 
Abrocomes, Hydarnes, and the bulk 
Of Abradates teriible in war. 
Firm, as a Memphian pyramid, was seen 
JDieneces; while Agis close in rank 
With Menaiippus, and the added sti-ength 
Of dauntless Maron, their connected shields 
Upheld. Each unrelax'd array maintains 
The conflict undecided; noi- could Greece 
llepel the adverse numbers, nor the weight 
Of Asia's band select remove the Greeks. 

Swift from Laconia's king, percei%'ing soon 
The Persian's new arrangement, Medon flew. 
Who thus the staid Dieneces address'd. 

'Leonidas commands the Spartan ranks 
To measure back some paces. Soon, he deems, 
The unexperienc'd foes in wild pvusuit 
"Will breali their order.' Then the charge renew;, 

This heard, the signal of retreat is giv'n. 
The Spartans seem to yield. Tlie Persians stog; 
Astonishment restrains them, and the doubt 
Of unexpected victory. Iheir tioth 
Abrocomes awakens. *By the sun 
Tliey fly before us. My victorious friends', 
Do you delay to enter Greece. Away, 
Rush on intrepid. I already liear 



153 .,^_. 

Ourborse, our chaiiots thiind'ring on hev plains. 
I see her temples wrapt in Persian fires.' 

He spake. In Imrry'd violence they roll 
Tumultuous forwai-d. All in headlong pace 
Disjoin their order, and the line dissolve. 
This when the sage Dieneces descries, 
The Spartans halt, returning to the charge 
With sudden vigour. In a moment pierc'd 
By his resistless steel, Orontes falls 
And quits th' imperial banner. This the chief 
In triumph waves. The spartans press the foe. 
Close-wedg'd and square, in slow, progressive pace 
O'er heaps of mangled carcases and arms 
Invincible they ti'ead. Composing flutes 
Each thought, each motion harmonize. No rage 
Untunes their souls. The phalanx yet more deep 
Of Medon follows; while the ligliter bands 
Glide by the flanks, and leach the broken foe. 
Amid tlieir flight what vengeance from the arm 
Of Alpheus falls? O'er all in swift pursuit 
Was he renown'd. His active feet had match'd 
The son of Peleus in the dusty course; 
But now the wrongs, the long-remember'd wrongs 
Of Polydorus animate his strength 
With ten fold vigour. Like th' empurpled moon, 
When in eclipse her silver disk hath lost 
The wonted light, his buckler's polish 'd face 
Is now obscur'd; the figur'd bosses drop 
In crimson, spouting from his deathful strokes^ 
As, when with horror wing'd, a whirlwind rend§ 
A shattev'd navy; from the ocean cast, 
Enormous fragments hide the level beach; 
Such as dejected Pei'sia late beheld 
On Thessaly's unnavigable strand: 
Thus o'er the champain satraps lay bestrewn 
By Alpheus, persevering in pursuit 
Beyond the pass. Not Phoebus could inflict 
On Niobe more vengeance, when, incens'd 



15^ 
By hci' raatfimal arrogance, which scorn'i 
Latona's race, he twang'd his ireful bow, 
And one by one from youth and beauty hurl'd 
Her sons to Pluto; nor severer pangs 
That mother felt, than pierc'd the genVous soul 
Of Hyperanthes, while his noblest friends 
On ev'ry side lay gasping. With despair 
He still contends. Th' immortals from their stand 
Behind th' entangling thicket next the pass 
His signal rouses. Ere they clear their way, 
Well-caution'd Medon from the close defile 
Two thousand Locrians pours. An aspect new 
The fight assumes. Through implicated shrubs 
Confusion waves each banner. Falchions, spears 
And shields are all encumber'd; till the Greeks 
Had forc'd a passage to tlie yielding foe. 
Then Medon's arm is felt. The dreadful boar, 
Wide-wasting once the Calydonian fields, 
In fury breaking from his gloomy lair, 
Ilang'd with less havoc through unguarded folds^ 
Than Medon, sweeping down the glitt'ring files, 
So vainly styl'd immortal. From the cliff 
Divine Melissa, and Laconia's king 
Enjoy the gloiies of Oileus' son. 
Fierce Alpheus too returning from his chaoe, 
Joins in the slaughter. Ev'ry Persian falls. 

To him the Locrian chief. 'Brave Spartan, thanks. 
Through thee my purpose is accoinplish'd full. 
My phalanx here with levell'd rows of spears 
Shall guard the shatter'd bushes. Come what may 
From Asia's camp,th' assailant, flank and driv'n 
Down yonder slope, shall perish. Gods of Greece, 
You shall behold your fanes profusely deck'd 
In splendid offsjiring from barbarian spoils. 
Won by your free-born supplicants this day.' 
i 

This said, he forms his ranks. Their threatning point^ 
Gleam through the thicket, whence the shiv'ring foe 
H 2 



154 

Avert their sight, like passengers disraay'd, 
Who on their course by Nile's portentous banks 
Descry in ambush of perfidious reeds 
The crocodile's fell teeth. Contiguous lay 
ITiermopylse. Dieneces secur'd 
"^rhe narrow mouth. Two lines the Spartans shewed. 
One tow'rds the plain observ'd the Persian camp; 
One, led by Agis, fac'd tli' interior pass. 

Not yet discourag'd, Hyperanthes strives 
The seatter'd host to rally. He exhorts, 
Entreats, at length indignant thus exclaims. 

•Degen'rate Persians! to sepulchral dust 
Could breath return, your fathers from the tomh 
Would utter groans. Inglorious, do ye leave 
Behind you Persia's standard to adorn 
Some Grecian temple? Can your splended cars, 
^''oluptuous couches, and delicious boards, 
Your gold, your gems, ye satraps, be preserv'd 
By cowardice and flightf The eunuch slave 
Will scorn such lords, your woiaen loath your beds.' 

Few hear him, fewer follow; while the fight 
His unabating couragt oft renews, 
As oft repuls'd with danger: till, by all 
Deserted mixing in the gen'ral rout, 
He yields to fortune, and regains tlie camp. 
Tn short advances thus the dying tide 
Heats for awhile against the shelving strand. 
Still by degrees retiring, and at last 
Within the bosom of the main subsides. 

Though Hyperanthes from the fight was driv'n 
Close to the mountain, whose indented side 
There gaye the widen'd pass an aiiiple space 
For numbers to embattle, still his post 
Bold Intaphernes underneath a cli f 
Against the firm Piat«an line maiat^iii'dt 



135 

On Lira look'd down Leonidas like Death, 

When, from his iron cavern call'd by Jove^ 

He stands gigantic on a mountain's head; 

Whence he commands tli' affrighted earth to quake. 

And, crags and forests in his direful grasp 

High-wielding, dashes on a town below, 

Whose deeds of black impiety provoke ,^, 

The long-endui'ing gods. Around the verge 

Of Oeta, curving to a crescent's shape, 

The marbles, timbers, fragments lay amass'd. 

The Helots, peasants, mariners attend 

In order nigh Leonidas. They watch 

His look. He gives the signal. Rous'd at once 

The force, the skill, activity and zeal 

Of thousands arecombin'd. Down rush the jiiles. 

Trees, roll'd on trees, with mingled rock descend, 

Unintermitted ruin. Loud resound , 

The hollow trunks against the mountain's side. 

Swift bounds each craggy mass. The foes below 

Look up aghast, in horror shrink and die. 

Whole troops, o'erwhelm'd beneath th' enormous load. 

Lie hid and lost, as never th<;y had known 

A name, or being. Intaphernes clad 

In regal splendour, progeny of kings, 

Who rul'd Damascus, and the Syrian palms. 

Here slept forever. Thousands of his train 

In that broad space the ruins had not reach'd. 

Back to their camp a passage they attempt 

Through Laced^mon's line. Them Agis stopp'd. 

Before his powerful arm Pandates fell, 

Sosarmes, Tachos. Menalippus dy'd 

His youthful steel in blood, fhe mightier spear 

Of Maron pierc'd battalions, and enlarg'd 

The track of slaughter. Backward turn'd the rouf, 

Nor found a milder fate. Th' unwearj 'd swords 

Of Dithyrambiisand Diomedon, 

Who from the hill are wheeling on theif flank, 

Still flash tremendous. To the shore they fly, 

At once envelop'd by successive bands 



H 



156 

Of clifPrent Grecians. From the gttlph prof oimd 

Perdition here inevitable frowns, 

While there, encircled by a grove of spears, 

Thej' stand devoted hecatombs to Mars. 

Now not a moment's interval delays 

Their gen'ral doom; but down the Malian steep 

Prone are they hurry'd to th' expanded arras 

Of horror, insing from the oozy deep, 

And grasping all their numbers, as they fall 

The dire confusion like a storm invades 

The chafing surge. Whole troops Bellona rolls 

In one vast ruin from the craggy ridge. 

O'er all their arras, their ensigns, deep-engulph'dl 

With hideous roar the waves ftrevei' dose. 



LEONIDAS. 

BOOK IX. 



THE ARGUMENT. 

Night coming on, the Grecians retire to their tents. A 
guard is placed on the Phocian wall under the com- 
mand of Agis. He admits into the camp a lady, ac- 
companied by a single slave, and conducts them to 
Leonidas; when she discovers herself to be Aiiana, 
sister of Xerxes and Hyperanthes, and sues for the 
body of Teribazus; which being found among the 
slain, she kills herself upon it. The slave, who atten- 
ded her, proves to be Polydorus, brother to Alpheus 
and Maron, and who had been formerly carried into 
captivity by a Phoenician pirate. He relates 
before an assembly of the chiefs a message from De- 
iTiaratus to the Spartans, wMch discloses the treache- 
ry of the Thebans, and of Epialtes, the Malian, who 
had undertaken to lead part of the Persian army 
through a pass among the mountains of Oeta. This 
information throws the council into a great tumult, 
which is pacified by Leonidas, who sends Alpheus to 
obsei-ve the motions of these Persians, and Dieneces 
with a party of Lacedaemonians to support the Pho- 
cians, with whom the defence of these passages in 
the hills had been entrusted. In the mean time Agis 
sends the bodies of Teribazus and Ariana to the camj> 
of Xerxes. 



LEONIDAB. 



BOOK IX. 

X N sable vesture, spangled o'er with stars, 
The night assum'cl her throne. Recall 'd from War, 
Their toil, protracted long, the Greeks forget, 
Dissolv'd in silent slumber, all, but those, 
Who watch th' uncertain perils of the dark; 
A hundred warriors. Agis was their chief. 
High on the wall, intent the hero sat. 
Fresh winds aci'oss the undulating bay 
From Asia's host the various din eonvey'd 
In one deep murmur, swelling on his ear- 
When by the sound of footsteps down the pass 
Alarm'd he calls aloud. 'What feet are these, 
Which beat the echoing pavement of the rock? 
Heply, nov tempt inevitable fate.' 

A voice reply'd. 'No enemies we come, 
But crave admittance in an humble tone.' 

The Spartan answers. 'Through the midnight shade 
What purpose draws your wand'ring steps abroad." 

To whom the stranger. 'We are friends to Greece^ 
Through thy assistance we implore access 
To Laced«mon's king.' The cautious Greek 
Still hesitates, when musically sweet 
A tender voice his wond'ring ear allures. 

'0 gen'rous wamor, listen to the pray'r 
Of one distress'd, whom giief alone hath led 
Through midnight shades to these victorious tents. 
A TRTetched woman, innocent of fraud,' 



160 

Tlie chief, descending, through th' unfolded gdtes 
Upheld a flaming torch. The light disclos'd 
One first in servile garments. Near his side 
A woman graceful and majestic stood. 
Not with an aspect rivalling the pow'v 
Of fata] Helen, or th' insnaring charms 
Of love's soft queen, but such, as far suvpass'd, 
Whate'er the lilly blending with the rose, 
Spreads on the cheek of beauty soon to fade; 
Such, as expressed a mind, by wisdom rul'd, 
By sweetness temper'd; virtue's purest light 
Illumining the eoimtenance divine: 
Yet could not soften rig'rous fate, nor charm 
Malignant fortime to revere the good; 
Which oft with anguish rends a si>otless heart, 
And oft associates wisdom with despair. 
In courteous phrase began the chief humane. 

'Exalted fair, whose form adorns the nighty 
Forbear to blame the vigilance of war. 
My slow compliance to the rigid laws 
Of Mars iiwpute. In me no longer pause 
Shall from the presence of our king witlihold 
Tliis thy apparent dignity and >vorth.' 

Here ending, he conducts her. At the call 
Of liis lov'd brother from his couch arose 
Leonidas. In wonder he survey'd 
Th' iUustrious virgin, whom his presence aw'd. 
Her eye submissive to the ground declin'd 
In veneration of the godlike man. 
His mien, his voice her anxious dread dispel, 
Benevolent and hospitable thus. 

'Thy looks, fair stranger, amiable and great^ 
A mind delineate, which, from all, commands 
Sui)reme regard. Relate, thou noble dame, 
By what relentless destiny compell'd, 
"I'hy tender feet the paths of darkness tread; 
Rehearse th' afflictions, whence tliy virtue mourns;" 



161 

On ha* wan cheek a sudden blush atose 
Like day, first dawning on the twilight pale; 
When, wrapt in grief, these woixls a passage fouod. 

'If to be most unhappy, and to know, 
Tliat hope is irrecoverably fled; 
If to be great and wretched may deserve 
Comniiseration from the brave: behold. 
Thou glorious leader of uneonquer'd bands, 
Behold, descended from Daiius' loins, 
Th' afflicted Ariana; and my pray'r 
Accept with pity, nor my tears disdain. 
First, that 1 lov'd the best of human race, 
Heroic, wise, adorn'd by ev'ry art, 
Of shame unconscious doth my heart reveal. 
This day, in Grecian arms conspicuous clad, 
He foug,ht, he fell. A passion, long conceard. 
For me alas! within my brother's arms 
His dying breath resigning, he disclos'd. 
Oh! I will stay my sorrows! will forbid 
^ly eyes to stream before thee, and my breast, 
O'erwhelm'd by anguish, will from sighs restrai^] 
For why should thy humanity be griev'd 
At my distress, why learn from me to mourn 
The lot of mortals, doom'd to pain aiid woe. 
Hear then, O king, and grant my sole request, 
'X'o seek his body in the heaps of slain.' 

Thus to the hero su'd the roj'al maid, 
Resembling Ceres in majestic woe, 
When supplicating Jove, from Stygian gloom. 
And Pluto's black embraces, to redeem 
Her lov'd and lost Proserpina. Awhile 
On Ariana fixing steadfast eyes, 
Tliese tender tlioughts Leonidas recall'd. 

'Sucij are thy soitows, O forever dear, 
Who now at Lacedae.mon dost deplore 
My everlasting absence.' I'hen aside 



162 

He turn'd and sigh'd. Recov'ring, he address'd 
His brother. 'Most beneficent of men, 
Attend, assist this princess.' Night retires 
Before the purple-winged morn. A band 
Is call'd. The well-remember'd spot they find. 
Where Teribazus from his dying hand 
Dropt in their sight his formidable sword. 
Soon frojo beneath a pile of Asian dead 
They draw the hero, by his armour known. 

Then, Ariana, what transcending pangs 
Were thine! what horrors! In thy tender breast 
Love still was mightiest. On the bosom cold 
Of Teribazus, grieMistracted maid, 
Thy beauteous limbs were thrown. Thy snowy hite 
The clotted gore disfigur'd. On his wounds 
Loose flo\\ \l thy hair, and, bubli}ig from thy eyes. 
Impetuous soirow lav'd th' empurpled clay. 
When forth in groans these lamentations broke. 

'O torn forever from these weeping eyes! 
Thou, who despairi : ig to obtain a heart, 
Which then most lov'd thee, didst untimely yield 
Thy life to fate's inevitable dart 
For her, who now in agony reveals 
Her tender passion, who repeats her vows 
To thy deaf ear. who fondly to her own 
Unites tliy cheek insensible nnd cold. 
Alas! do those unaioving, ghastly orbs 
Perceive my gushing sorrow! Can that heart 
At my complaint dissolve the ice of death 
To share my sufF'riiigs! Never, never moi'e 
Sh;;!! Ariana bend a list'ning ear 
To thy enchantiiig oloque.ice, nor feast 
Htr uiind on wisdom from thy copius tongueJ 
Oh! biiter, insurmountable distress!' 

She could rio more. Invincible despair 
Suppress'd all uttVance^ As 9 marbk fprm , 



163 

jpix'd on the solemn sepulchre, incHiies 
The silent liead in imitated woe 
O'er sojne dea i hero, whom his counti^ lov'i; 
Entranc'd by anguish, o'er the breatliless clay 
So huHg-the princess. On the gory breach, 
Whence life hadissu'd by the fatal blow, 
Mute for a space and motionless she gaz'd; 
"When thus in accents firm. 'Imperial pom J>^ 
Foe to my quiet, take my last farewell. 
There is a state, where only virtue holds 
The rank supreme. My Teribazus there 
Frora his high order must descend to mine.' 

Then w itli no trembling hand, no change of look 
She drew a poniard, which her garment veil'd; 
And instant sheatliing in her heart the blade. 
On iier slain lover silent sunk in death. 
TJie unexpected stroke prevents the care 
Of Agis, pierc'd by horrcr and distress, 
Like one, who, standing on a stormy heachj 
Beholds a found'ring vessel, by the deep 
At oifce engulph'd; his pity feels and mourns, 
Depriv'd of pow'r to save; so Agis view'd 
The prostrate pair. He dropp'd a tear and thus. 

'Oh! much lamented! Heavy on your heads 
Hath evil fall'n, which o'er your pale remains 
Coiiimandsthis sorrow from a stanger's eye. 
Illustrious ruins! May the grave impait 
That peace, m hich life deny'dl And now receive 
This pious office from a hand unknown.' 

He spake, unclasping from his shoulders broad 
His ample robe. He strew'd the waving 'bids 
O'er each wan visage, turjiiug then, address'd 

The slave, hi mute dejection standing near. 

e 

« Thou, who attendant on this hapless fail,', 
Hast view'd this dreadful spectacle, return. 



164i 

'These bleeding reliques bear to Persia's king, 
Thou with four captives, whom I free from bonds.' 

' Art thou a Spartan, interrupts tlie slave? 
Dost tliou command me to return, and pine 
In climes unbless'd by liberty, or laws.' 
Grant me to see Leonidas- Alone 
Xet him decide, if wretched, as I seem, 
1 may not claim protection from this camp.' 

' Whoe'er thou art,' rejoins the chief, amaz^'d, 
But not offended, ' thy ignoble garb 
Coueeal'd a spirit, which I now revere. 
Thy countenance demands a better lot. 
Than I, a stranger to thy hidden worth, 
Unconscious offfer'd. Freedom dwells in Greece, 
Humanity and justice. Thou shalt see 
Leonidas their guardian.' To the king 
He leads him straight, presents him in these words. 

'In mind superior to the base attire, 
Which marks his limbs with shame, a stranger comes, 
"Who thy protection claims.' The slave subjoins. 

' I stand thy suppliant now. Thou soon shalt learn 
If I deserve thy favor. I request 
To meet th' assembled chieftians of this host. 
Oh! I am fraught with tidings, which import 
Tlje weal of ev'ry Grecian. Agis swift, 
Appointed by Leonidas, convenes 
The diff 'rent leaders. To the tent they speed. 
Before them call'd, the strang-er thus began. 

"* O Alpheus! Maron! Hither turn your sight, > 
And know your brother.' From their seats they stavtt 
From either breaks in ecstacy the name 
Of Polydorus. To his dear embrace 
TMch fondly strives to rush; but he withstands: 
While down his cheek a flood of anguish poius 



165 

From liis dejected eyes, in torture bent- 

On tliat vile gaib, dishonoring his form. 

At le)igth these accents, intermix'd with groaiI% 

A jmssage found, while mute attention gaz'd. 

• Yoti first should know, if this unhappy slave 
Yet merits your embraces.' Then approach'd 
Leonidas. Befoie him all recede. 

Ev'n Alpheus 'self, and jields his brother's hand^ 
Which in his own the regal hero press'd. 
Still Polydorus on his gloomy front 
Repugnance stern to consolation bore; 
"When thus the king witli majesty benign. 

' Lol ev'ry heart is open to thy worth. 
Injurious fortune, and eiifeebling time 
By servitude and grief severely ti7 
A lib'ral spirit. 'I'ry'd, but not subdu'd, 
Do thou appear. Whatever be our lot 
Is htav'n's appointment. Patience best becomes 
The citizen and soldier. Let the sight 
Of friends and brethren dissipate thy gloom.' 

Of men the gentlest, Agis too advanc'd, 
"Who with increas'd huma)iity began. 

• Now in thy native liberty secure, 
Smile on thy pass'd affliction, and relate. 
What chance restores thy juerit to the arms 
Of friends and kindred.' Polydorus then— 

' I was a Spartan. When my tender prime 
On manhood border'd, from Laconia's shores 
Snatch'd fay Phceniciaii pirates, 1 was sold 
A slave, by Hyperaiitht- s l>ought and giv'n 
To Ariana. Gracious was her hand. 
'But 1 remaiii'd a boiidman. still estrang'd 
I rom LactdiBuion. Demaratus oft 
In friendly scwow would my lot deplore;' 



166 

Nor less his own ill-fated virtue Baoum''<|, 
Lost to his country in a servile court, 
The centre of corruption; where in smiles 
Are painted envy, treachery and hate, 
With raiikling- malice; where alone sincere 
The dissolute seek no disguise: where those, 
Possessing all, a monarch caa bestow, 
Are far less happy, than the meanest heir 
To fretdom, far more groveling, than the slave, 
Who serves their cruel pride. Yet here the sua 
Ten times his yearly circle hath renew'd, 
Since Polydorus hath in bondage groan'd. 
My bloom is pass'd, or, pining in despair, 
Untimely wither'd. I at last return 
A messenger of fate, who tidings bear 
Of desolation.' Here he paus'd in grief 
Redoubled; ^vhen Leonidas. ' Proceed. 
Should from thy lips inevitable death 
To all be -hreaten'd, thou art heard by none 
Whose dauntless hearts can entertain a thought 
But how to fall the noblest.' Thus the king. 
The rest in speechless expectation wait. 
,Such was the solemn silence, which o'erspread 
'I'he shrine of Ammon, or Dodoua's shades. 
When anxious mortals from the mouth of Jove 
Their doom explor'd. Nor Polydorus long 
Suspends the counsel, but resumes his tale. 

' As I this night accompany'd the steps 
Of Ariana, near the pass we saw 
A I'cstless form, now traversing the way, 
Now, as a statue, ri vetted bj' doubt, 
Then on a sudden stai'ting to renew 
An eager pace. As nearer we approach'd. 
He by tht moon, which glimmer'd on our head?, 
Descrj'd us. Straight advancing, whither bent 
Our inidr.iglit course, he ask'd. I knew the voice 
Of Demaiauis. To my breast I clasp'd 
The venerable exile, and reply'd. 



ley 

Laconia's camp wc seek. Demand no moi'e. '^ 

Farewell. He wept. Be lieav'n thy guide, he saitf, 
Tlirice happy Polydorus. Thou again 
May'st visit Spaita, to these eyes deny'd. 
SooD as aniv'd at those triumphant tents, 
Say to the Spavtans f Vom their exil'd king-, 
Although their blind credulity depriv'd 
The V retched Demaratus of his home; 
Frojnev'ry joy secluded, from bis wife, 
His Offspring torn, his coUiitrymen and friends, 
Hiiii li'om lijs virtue they could ne'er divide. 
Say, that ev'n here, where all are kings, or slaves, 
Amid the riot of llagitious courts 
Not quite extinct his Sjiartan spirit glows. 
Though griei hath dimm'd its fin s. Rememb'ring this. 
Report, that newly to the Persian host 
Return'd a Malian, Epialtes nam'd, 
Who, as a spy, the Grecian tei«ts had sought. 
He to the monarch magnify'd his art, 
Which by delusive eloquence had wrought 
Tht^ Greeks to such despair; that ev'ry band 
To Persia's sovereign standard would have bow'«J; 
Had not the sjjirit of a single chief. 
By fear unconquer'd, and on deatli resolv'd, 
Restor'd their valor: tlierefore would the king 
Trust to his guidance a selected force, 
They soon shall pierce th' unguarded bounds of Greece 
I'hrough a lieglected aperture above, 
Where no Leouidas should bar their way. 
Meantime by him the treach'rous Thebans sent 
Assurance of their aid. Th' assenting prince 
At once decreed two myriads to advance 
With Hyperamhes. Ev'ry lord besides, 
Whoin youth, or courage, or ambition wai'in, 
Hous'd by tlie traitor's eloquence, attend 
from all the nations with a rival zeal 
''To enter Greece che foremost.' In a sigh 
He cios'd— like me. Tremendous from his seat 
Up rose Diomedon. His eyes were flames. 



168 

llflVhen swift on trembling Anaxander broke 
These ireful accents from his livid lips. 

' Yet ere we fall, O traitor, shall this arm 
-- To hell's avenging furies sink thy head.' 

All now is turn ult. Ev'ry bosom swells 
With wrath untam'd and vengeance. Half unsheatli'^ 
Th' impetuous falchion of Platsea flames. 
But, as the Colchian sorceress, renown'd 
In legends old, or Circe, when theyfi'am'd 
A potent spell, so smoothness charni'd the main; 
And iuird jEolian rage by mystic song; 
Till not a billow heav'd against the shore, 
Nor ev'n the wanton-winged zephyr breath'd 
The lightest whisper through the magic air: 
So, when thy voice, Leonidas, is heard, 
Confusion listens; ire in silent awe 
Subsides. ' Withhold this rashness,' cries the king;;. 
^To proof of guilt let punishment succeed. 
Not yet Barbanan shouts our camp alarm. 
We still have time for vengeance, time to know. 
If menae'd ruin we may yet repel, 
Or how most glorious perish.' Next arose 
Dioneces, and thus th' experienc'd man. 

'Ere they surmount our fences, Xerxes' troops 
Must learn to conquer, and the Greeks to fly. 
The spears of Phocis guard that secret pass. 
To them let instant messengers depart. 
And note the hostile progress.' Alpheus here. 

'Leonidas, behold, my willing feet 
Shall to the Phocians bear thy high commands; 
Shall climb the hill to watch th' approaching foe.' 

'Thou active son of valour,' quick returns 
The chief 0£ Lacedsemon, in my thoughts 
For ever present, when the public wetil 



Requires the swift, tlie vigilant and bold^ 
Go, climb, sunnount the rock's aerial heigLi, 
Obsei-ve the hostile march. A Spaitau band, 
Dieiieces, provide. Thyself conduct 
Their speedy succour to our Phociau fnends.' 

llie council rise^. For this course prepar'd, 
■While day, declining, jsrompts his eager feetj 
'O Polydoras,' Aiplieus thus in haste, 
'Long lost, and late recover'd, we must part 
Again, perhaps lor ever. Thou return 
To kiss the saci-ed soil, which gave thee birtli, 
And calls thee back to freedom. Brother dear,. 
1 should have sighs to give thee — but farewell, ,. 
My country chides me, loit'ring in thy arms.' 

'l"his said, he darts along, nor looks beMns^ 
When Polydorus answers. 'Alpheus, no. 
I have the marks of bondage to erase. 
My blood must wash the shameful stain away.' 

'We have a father,' Maron interpos'd. 
'Thy unexpected presence will i-evive 
His heavy age, now childless and forlorn.' 

To him the brother witli a gloomy frown, 
'111 should I comfort others. View these eyes» 
Faint is their light; and vanish'd was my bloom 
Before its hour of ripeness. In my breast 
Grief will retain a mansion, nor by time 
Be dispossess'd. Unceasing shall my soul 
Brood o'er the black remembrance of my youth, 
5n slavery exhausted. Life to me 
Hath lost its savour.' Then in sullen woe 
His head declines. His brother pleads in vaiao 

Now in his view Bieneees appear'd 
With Sparta's band. Immoveable his eyes 
Outhenihe fix'd, revolving these dark tlioug&fE»w 



..00 
'I too like tbem from Lacedaemon spring, 
Xiike them instructed once to poise the speai', 
To lift the pond'iciis shield. Ill destin'd wretch! 
Thy arm is grown enervate, and would sink 
Beneath a buckler's weight. Malignant fates! 
Who have eompell'd my free bom hand to change 
The warrior's arms for ignominious bonds; 
Would you compensate for my chains, my shame, 
My ten j'ears anguish, and the fell despair. 
Which on my youth liave prey'd; relenting once, 
Orant, I may bear my buckler to the field, 
And, known a Spai'tan, seek tlie shades below.' 

'Why to be known a Spartan must thou seek 
The shades below?' Impatient Maron spake, 
'Live, and be known a Spartan by thy deeds. 
Live, and enjoy thy dignity of birth. 
Liveand perform the duties, which become 
A citizen of Sparta. Still thy brow 
FrowTis gloomy, still uayiekling. He, who lead* 
Our band, all fathers of a noble race, 
Will ne'er peimit thy barren day to close 
Without an offspring to uphold the state.' 

*He will, replies the brother in a glow. 
Prevailing o'er the paleness of his cheek, 
He will permit me to compleat by death '' 
The measure of my duty; will permit 
IMe to achieve a service, which no hand 
But mine can render, to adorn his fall 
With double lustre, strike the barb'rotis foe 
With endless terror, and avenge the shame 
Of an enslaved Laconian.' Closing here 
His words mysterious, quick he turn'd a^ay 
To find the tent of Agis. There his hand 
In grateful sorrow minister'd her aid; 
While the humane, the hospitable care 
Of Agis gently by lier lover's corse 
On one sad bier the pallid beauties laJfl 



in *■ 

Of Aiiana. He fiom bondage freed 

Four eastern captives, wbom his gen'rous anvi 

That day had spar'd in battle; then began 

This soleinn charge. 'You Persians, whom my swor^ 

Acqiiir'd ai war, unraiisom'd, shall depart. 

To you I vender freedom, which you sought 

To wrest from me. One recompeiiee I ask, .1 

And (me alone. Transport to Asia's can)p 

This bleedingprincess. Bid the Persian king 

Weep o'er this flow'ri^ntimely cut i» bloom. 

Then say. th' all-judging pow'rs have thus ordain'di 

Thou, whose aaibition o'er the groaning earih 

Leads iiesoiation; o'er the nations spreads 

Calandty and tears; thou first shalt mourn. 

And through thy house destruction first shall range.' 

Disniiss'd, they gain the rampart, where on guard 
Wa^ Dithyrambus posted. He perceiv'd 
The niounvful bier approach. To him the fate « 

Of Ariaua was already told. 
He met the captives, with a moisten'd eye, 
Full bent on Terizabus, sigh'd and spake. 

'O that, assur/iing with those Grecian arms 
A Grecian spiiit, thou in scorn hadst look'd 
On princes! Wortli like thine, froi^i slavish courts 
"Withdrawn, had ne'er been wasted to support 
A king's injustice. Then a gentler lot 
Had bless'd thy life, or, dying, thou hadst known. 
How sweet is death for liberty. A Greek 
Affords these friendly wishes, though his head 
Had lost their honors, gather'd from thy fall, 
"WTitrn fortune favor'd, or propitious Jove 
Smil'd on the better cause. Ill fated pair, c 
Whom in compassion's i)urest dew I lave, 
But that my hand infix'd the deathful wound, 
And must be grievous to your loathing shades, 
From all the neiglib'ring valleys would I cull 
Their fairest growth to strew your hearaj -with flowVs. 



¥et, accept these tears and pious pray'rs! 

May peace surround your ashes! JVIay your shades 

Pass o'er the sile:^tpQol to happier seats!' 



He ceas'd in tears. The captives leave the waljl, 
Asd slowly doDra Thermopylae proceed. 



LEONIDAS. 



BOOK X. 









THE ARGUMENT. 

Medon convenes the Locrian commanders, and ha- 
rangues them; repairs at midnight to liis sister Me- 
Jissa in the temple, and receives from her the first 
intelligence, that the Persians weif 1*4b actual posses- 
sion of the upper Straits, which had been abandoned 
bj5.the Phocians. Melibosus brings her tidings of 
her father's death. She*strictly enjoins her brother 
to preserve his life by a timely retreat, and recoivi- 
luends the enforcement of her advice to the prudence 
and zeal of Melibceus. In the morning the bodies 
of Teribazus and Ariana are brought into the pre- 
sence of Xerxes, soon after a report had reached the 
e»^p, that great part of his na^'74ya s shipwrt eked. 
Tf*he Persian monarch, quite dispirited, is persuaded 
by Argestes to send an ambassador to the Spartan 
king. Argestes himself is deptited, \^ho, after re- 
vealing his embass> in secret to Leonidas, is by him 
led before the whole ai'my, and there receives his an- 
swer. Alpheus returns, and declares that the enemy 
was master of the passages in the hiJls, and would ar- 
rive at Thermopylse the next morning; upon which 
Leonidas offers to send away all the troops except 
his three hundred Spartans; but Dioniedon, Demo- 
idiilus, Dithyrambus and Megistias refuse to departs 
then to relieve the perplexity of Medon on this occa- 
sion, he transfers t^hihi the supreme coimnand, dis- 
misses Argestes, orders the compainons of his own 
fate to be ready ia anns%y sun-set, anA retires to his 
pavilion* -^ 



■r:: 



LEONID AS. 



BOOK X, 



T, 



HE Grecian leaders, from the council ris^i, 
Among the troojis dispemng, by their words, 
Their looks undaimted, warm the coldest heart 
Againstnew dangers threat'iiing:. I'ohis tent 
'I'he Lociian captains Medon swift convenes, 
Exhorting thus. 'O long approv'd my friendsj 
You, who have seen my father in the field 
Triumphant, hold assistants of my arm 
In labors not inglorious, who this day 
Have rais'd-fresh tropliies, be prepar'd. If help 
Be further wanted in the Phoeian camp, 
You will the next be sunmion'd. Locris lies 
'I'o ravage first expos'd. Your ancient fane, 
.Your goddesses, your priestess half ador'd, 
The daughter of Oileus, from your swords 
Protection claim against an impious foe. 

All anxious for Melissa, 'le dismiss'd 
f h' applauding vet'rans; to the sacred cave 
Then hasten'd. Under heav'n's night-shaded cope 
lie mused. Melissa in her holy place 
How to approach with inausiiicious steps. 
How to accost his pensive mind revolv'dj 
When Mycon, pious vassal of the fane 
Descending through the cavern, at the sight 
Of M«lonstopp'd,and thus. 'Thy presence, loi-U; 
The priestess calls. To Lacedsemon's king 
I bear a message, suff 'ring no delay. 



ire 

He quits the chief, whose rapid feet ascend. 
Soon ent'ring, where the pedestal displays 
Thy form, Calliope sublime. The lyre, 
Whose accents immortality confer, : 
Thy fingers seem to wake. On either side, 
The snowy gloss of Parian marble shews 
Pour of thy sisters through surrounding shade. 
Before each image is a virgin plac'd. 
Before each virgin dimly burns a lamp, 
Whose livid spires just temper with a gleam 
The dread obscurity of night. Apart 
The priestess thoughtful sits. Thus IMedon breaks 
The solemn silence. 'Anxious for thy fate 
Without a summons to thy pure abode 
I was approaching. Deities, who know 
The present, pass'd and future, let my lips, 
^nblam'd, have utt'rance. Thou, my sister, hear. 
Thy breast let wisdom strengthen. Impious foes 
Tlirough Oeta now are passing.'— She replies. 

'Are passing, brother! They alas! are pass'd, 
Are in possession of the upper Streight. 
Hear in thy turn. A dire narration heai'. 
A favor'd goat, conductor of my herd, 
Sti-ay'd to a dale, whose outlet is the post 
To Phocians left, and penetrates to Greece. 
Him Mycon following, by a hostile band, y 

Light arm'd, forerunners of a num'rous host, 
Was seiz'd. By fear of menac'd torments forc'd, 
He shew'd a passage up that mountain's side, 
AVhose length of wood o'ershades the Phocian land. 
To dry and sapless trunks in diif 'rent parts 
Fire, by the Persians artfully apply'd, 
Soon grew to flames. This done, the troop returned. 
Detaining Mycon. Now tlie mountain blaz'd. 
The Phocians, ill-commanded, left their post, 
Alarm'd, confus'd. More distant ground they chose. 
In blind dtilusion fonniiig there, they spread 
Theiv iuelfectual banners to vepel 



^. 



Iraagin'd peril from those fraodfuHigfats, 
By stratagem prepav'd. A real foe 
Meantime secur'd the undefended pass. 
This Mycon saw. Escaping thence to me, 
He by my orders hastens to inform 
Leonidas.' She paus'd. Like one, who sees 
The forked lightening into shivers rive 
A knotted oak, or crumble tow'rs to dust. 
Aghast was Medon; then, recov'riag, spake; 

'Thou boasted glory of th' Oilean house, 
If e'er thy brother bow'd in rev'rence due 
To thy superior virtues, let his voice 
Be now regarded. From th' endanger'd fane, 
My sister, fly. Whatever be my lot, 
A troop select of Locrians shall transport 
Thy sacred person, where thy will ordains.' 

'Think not of me,' returns the dame. 'To Greece 
Direct thy zeal. My peasants are conven'd. 
That by their labour, when the fatal hour 
Requires, with massy fragments I may bar 
That cave to human entrance. Best belov'd 
Of brothers, now a serious ear incline. 
Awhile in Greece to fortu/se's Avanton gale 
His golden banner shall the Persian king, 
Deluded, wave. Leonidas, by death 
Preserving Sparta, will his spuit leave 
To bla-it the glitt'ring pageant. Medon, live 
To share that glory. Thee to perish here 
No law, no oracle enjoins. To die, 
Uncall'd. is blameful. Let thy pious hand 
Secure Oileus from barbarian force. 
To Sparta mindful of her noble host 
Entrust his rev'rehd head. Th' assembled hinds, 

fpuths, maidens, wives with nurselings at their breasts, 
round her now in consternation stood, 
The women weeping, mute, aghast the men. 
To tliem she turns. You never, faithful race, 
I 2 



±78 

Yoiu" priestess shall forsake. Melissa her?) 

Despairing never of the public weal, 

yor better days in solitude shall wait, 

Shall cheer your sadness. My prophetic soul 

Sees through time's cloud the liberty of Greece 

More stable, more effulgent. In his blood 

l.eonidas cements th' unshaken base 

Of that strong to w'r, which Athens shall exalt 

,To cast a shadow o'er the eastern world.' 

This utter'd, tow'rd the temple's inmost seat 
Of sanctity her solemn step she bends, 
Devout, enraptur'd. In their dark'ning lamps 
I'he pallid tlaraes are fainting. Dim through mists 
The morning peeps. An awful silence reigns. 
While Medon pensive from the fane descends, 
Eut instant reappears. Behind him close 
Treads Meliboeus, through the cavern's moutfe 
Ascending pale in aspect, not unlike 
"What legends tell of speptres, by the force 
Of necromantic sorcery constrain'd; 
Through earths dark bowels, which the spell disjoia'd, 
'I'hey from death's mansion in reluctant sloth 
3lose to divulge the secrets of their graves, 
Or mysteries of fate. His cheerful brow, 
O'erclouded, paleness on his healthful cheek, 
A dull, unwovited heaviness of pace 
Portend disast'rous tidings. Medon spake— 

'Turn.holy sister. By thegodsbelov'd, 
May they sustain thee in this mournful hour. 
Our fatlier, good Oileus is no more. 
Hehearse thy tidings, swain.' He takes the word. 

'Thou wast not present, when his mind, outstretch'^ 
By y.eal for Greece, transported by his joy ^ 

To euttitain Leonidas, refus'd " 

Due rest. Old age his ardour had forgot, 
"io his last waking moiueijt with his guest 



±79 

itYous talk redundant. He at last, 
Compos'd and smiling in th' embi*ace of sleep, 
To Pan's protection at the island fane 
Was left. He wak'd no more. The fatal news, 
'L'o you dlscover'd, from the chiefs I hide.' 

■A. 
,]Melissa heard, incHn'd hei* forehead low 
ISefore t}>' insculptur'd deities. A sigh 
Broke from her heart, these accents from her lips— 

'He full of days and honors through the gate 
Of paiidess slumber is retir'd. His tomb 
Shall stand among liis fathers in the shade 
Of his o^v n trophies. Placid were his days, 
"Which fiow'd through blessings. As a river pure, 
^ Whose sides are flow'ry, and whose meadows fair, 
TMeets in his course a subterranean void ; 
There dips his silver liead, again to rise, 
And. rising, glide through flow'rs aiid meadows nevv. 
Si So shall Oileus in those happier fields, 

Where never tempests roar, nor humid clouds 
In mists dissolve, nor wliite-descending flakes 
Of winter violate th'' eternal green; 
Where never gloom of trouble shades the mind, 
l^or gust of passion heaves the quiet breast, 
Nor dews of grief are sprinkled. Thou art gone, 
^ost of divine Leonidas on earth, 
*^rt gone before him to prepare the feast, 
Immortalizing virtue.' Silent here. 
Around her, head she wraps her hallow 'dpalL 
Her prudent virgins interpose a hymn, 
Not in a plaintive, but majestic flow, 
To which their fingers, sweeping o'er the chord-:. 
The lyre's full tone attemper. She unveils, 
Then with a voice, a countenance compos'd— 

'Go, Medon, pillar of th' Oilean hoiSse. 
i^ New cares, new duties claim thy precious life. 
Perform the pious obsequies, *Let teax-s, 



ISO 

Let groans be absent from the sacred dust, 
Which heav'n in life so favor'd, move in deatk. 
A terra of righteous days, an envy'd ur» 
Like liis, for Medon is Melissa's pray'r. 
Thou, Melibceus, cordial, high in rank 
Among the prudent, -warn and watch thy lord. 
My benediction shall reward thy zeal.' 

' Sooth'd by the blessings of such perfect lips, 
They both depart. And now the climbing sun 
To Xerxes' tent discover'd from afar 
The Persian captives with their raoumfui load. 
Before them rumour through her sable trump 
I, Breathes lamentation. Horror lends his voice 
To spread the tidings of disastrous fate 
Alorig Spercheos. As a vapour black, 
Which, from the distant, horizontal verge 
Ascending, nearer still and nearer bends 
To higher lands its progress, there condens'd, 
Throws darkness o'er the valleys, while the face 
Of nature saddens round; so step by step, 
In motion slow th' advancing bier dift'us'd 
A solemn sadness o'er the camp. A hedge 
Of trembling spears on either hand is form'd. 
Tears uuderneatli his ii'on-pointed cone 
The Saeian drops. The Caspian savage feels 
His heart transpierc'd, and wonders at the pain. 
In Xerxes' presence are the bodies plac'd, 
Nor he forbids. His agitated breast 
All : iight had weigh'd against his future hopes 
His present losses his defeated ranlvs, 
By myriads thiiin'd, their multitude abash'd, 
His fleet tlirice worsted, torn by stori»s, reduc'd 
To half its number. When he slept , in dreams 
He saw the haggard dead, which floated round 
Th' adjoiidng strands. Disasters new their ghosts 
In sullen frowns, ij: shrill upbradings bode. 
Thus, ere the gory bier approach'd liis eyes, 
He in dejection had already lost 



;, #^ ISi • 

lii?yngly pride, the parent of disdain. 
And «)M indifference to human woes. 
Not ev'n beside his sister's nobler corse 
Her humble lover could awake his scorn. 
The captives told their piercing tale. He heard; 
He felt aM hile compassion. But ere long' '" 
Those traces vanish'd from tte tyrant's breast. 
His former gloom redoubles. For himself 
His anxious bosom heaves, oppress'd by fear, 
Lest he with all his splendour should be cast 
^prey to fortune. Thoughtful near the tluone 
Laconia's exile waits, to whom the king— 

'O Denmratus, what will fate ordain:' 
Lo! fortune turns against me. What shall clieck 
Her further malice, when her daring stride 
Invades my house with ravage, and profanes 
The blood of great Darius. I have sent 
Prom my unguarded side the chosen band, 
TSIy bravest chiefs to pass the desert hill; 
Have to the conduct of a Maliau spy 
My hopes entrusted. May not there the Greeks 
In opposition more tremendous still, 
More ruinous, than yester sun beheld, f^y. 
Maintain their post invincible, renew 
Their stony thunder in augmented rage, 
And send whole quarries down the craggy steeds 
Again to crush my army? Oh! unfold 
I'hy secret thoughts, nor hide the harshest truth. 
Sa;^ what remainsto htqie ? Tlie exile lifer^jr 

'Too well, O monarch, !(Io thy fears pi'esage, 
What may befall thy army. If tlie Greeks, 
AiTang'd within Thermopylas, a pass 
Accessible and practic'd, could repel 
With such^estruction their unnumber'd foes', 
What scenes of havoc may untrodden paths, 
CoMfin'd among the craggy hills, iifFord?' 



182 

Xost in despair, the monarch silent sat. 
Not less unmann'd, than Xex'xes, from his place 
Uprose Avgestes; but ccncealing fear, 
These artful words deliver'd— 'If the king 
Propitious wills to spare his faithful bands, 
Kor spread at large the terrors of his pow'r; 
More gentle iiieans of ccgnquest, than by arm^r 
Nor less secure maj' artifice supply. 
Renowii'd Darius, thy immortal sire 
Bright m the spoil of kingdoms, long in vain 
The fields of proud Euphrates with his host 
O'erspread. At length, confiding in the wiles 
Of Zopyrus, the mighty prince subdu'd 
The Babylonian ramparts. Who shall counfr 
The thrones and states, by stratagem o'erturu'd? 
But if corruption join her pow'rful aid, 
Not one can stand. What race of men possess 
That probity, that wisdom, which the veil 
Of craft shall never blind, nor profFer'd wealth, 
Nor splendid pow'r seduce? O Xerxes^born 
To more, than mortal greatness, canst tliou find 
Through thy unbounded sway no dazzling gift^ 
"Which may allure Leonidas? Dispel 
The cloud of sadness from those sacred eyes. 
iGreat monarch, prolTer to Laconia's chief, 
What may thy own magnificence declare,, ., 
And win his friendship. O'er his native Greece 
Invest him sov'reign. Thus procure his sword 
P(^ thy succeeding conquests. Xerxes here, 
As fVom a^graace awak'jtiiig, s\v>ift rex)lies. 

'Wise are thy dictates.- Fly to Sparta's chief* 
Argestes, fall before hini. Bid him join 
My arms, and reign ^i^l'^'ry^ Grecian ^te.' 

He scarce had fihish'd, when in haste approach'd 
Artuchus. Startled at the ghastly stage 
Of death, that guardian of the Persian fair 
Thus in a groan.— 'Tljou deity malign, 



183- '% 

O'Arimanius, what a bitter drauglit 
For ray sad lips thy cruelty hath mix'd! 
Is this the fioiv'r of woman, to my charge -IHI 

So lately giv'ii? Oh! princess, I have rang'd 
The whole Sperchean vallej', woods aud caves^ 
In quest of thee, found here a lifeless corse. 
Astouishment and lioiTor lock my tongue.' 

Pride now, reviving in the monarch's hreasf^ 
Dispeird his black despondency awhile, ■ 

Witli gall more black effacing from bis heait 
Each merciful impression. Stern he spake.— 

'Remove her, satrap, to the female train. 
Let them the due solemnities perform. 
But never she, by Mithra's liglit 1 swear, 
Shall sleep in Susa with her kindred dust; 
■\Vho by ignoble jjassioiis hath debas'd 
The blood of Xerxes. Greece beheld her shaine; 
I.et Greece behold her tomb. The low-born slav^. 
Who dar'd to Xei-xes' sister lift his hopes, 
On some bare crag expose.' The Spartan here— ■ 

'My roj'al patron, let me speak— and die, 
If such thy will. This cold, disfigur'd clay 
Was late thy soldier, gallantly who fought. 
Who nobly perish'd, long tire dearest friend 
Of Hypera)ithes, hazarding his life 
Now in thy cause. O'er Persians thou dost reiga'j 
JJone more, than Persians, venerate the orave.' 

'Well hath he spoke,' Artuchus firm subjoins; 
'But if the king his rigour will inflict 
On this dead warrior — Heav'n, o'erlook the deecj^ 
Nor on our heads accumulate fresh woes! 
Tlieshatter'd fleet, th' intimidated camp, 
The band select, through Oeta's dang'rous wiWI 
At this dread crisis struggling, must obtain 
Sr^portfrom Ue^y'DjOi; Asia's glory falls.' 



184^ 
Fell piide, recoiling at these awful words 
In Xerxes frozen bosom, yields to fear, 
Re|sming there the sway. He gi-ants the corse 
To Demaratus. Forth Artiichus moves 
Behind the bier, uplifted by his train. 

Argestes, parted from his master's side, 
Ascends a car; and, speeding o'er the beach, 
Sees Artemisia. She the ashes pale 
Ofslaiighter'd Cariaus, on the pyre consum'd, 
"Was then collecting for the fun'ral vase 
In exclamation thus, 'My subjects, lost 
On earth, descend to happier climes below— 
ITie fawning, dastard counsellors, who left 
Your worth deserted in the hour of need, 
May kites disfigure, may the wolf devour — 
Shade of my husband, thou salute in smiles 
These gallant warriors, faithful once to thee, 
Nor less to me. They tidings will report 
Of Artemisia to revive thy love- 
May wretches like Argestes never clasp 
Their wives, their offspring! Never greet their homes! 
May their unbury'd limbs dismiss their ghosts 
To wail for ever on the banks of Styx!' 

Then, tuniin^«||Q'*''rd her son. 'Come, virtuous bor. 
Let us transport these reliquesof our friends 
To yon tall bark, in pendent sable clad. 
They, ifiher keel be destin'd to return, 
Shall in paternal monuments repose. 
Let us embark. Till Xerxes shuts his ear 
To false Argestes; in her vessel hid, 
Shall Artemisia's gratitude lament 
Her bounteous sov'reign's fate. Leander,mar]i. 
The Doric virtues are not eastern plants. 
Them foster still within thy gen'rous breast, 
But keep in covert from the blaze of courts; 
"Where Hatt'ry's guile in oily words profuse. 
In action tardy, o'er th' ingenious tongue, 
The arm of valour, and the faithful heart 



lis 

Will ever triumph. Yet my soul enjoy* 

Her own presage, that destiny reserves • 

An hour for my revenge.' Concluding hei'e. 

She gains tlie fleet. Argestes sweeps along 

On rapid wheels from Artemisia's view, 

Like Night, protectress foul of heinous deeds, 

With treason, rapeaud murder at her heel, 

Before the eye of morn retreating swift 

To hide her loathsome visage. Soon he reached 

Thermopylae; descending from his car, 

Was led by Diihyrambus to the tent 

Of Sparta's ruler. Since the fatal news 

By Myeon latejdeliver'd, he apart 

With Polydorus had consulted long 

On high attempts; and, now sequester'd, sat 

To ruminate on vengeance. At liis feet 

Prone fell the satrap, and began. 'Ihe will 

Of Xerses bends me prostrate to the earth 

Before thy presence. Great and matchless chie^ 

Thus says the lord of J^ia. Join my arras; 

Thy recompense is Gre^ice. Her fruitful plains, 

Her gen'rous steeds, her flocks, her nUm'rous town^ 

Her sons I render to thy sov'reign hand. 

And, O illustrious warrior heed my words. 

Tliink on the bliss of royalty, the pomp 

Of courts, their endless pleasures, trains of slaves^ 

Wlio restless watch for thee, and tliy delights: 

Think on the gloriestiof unrivall'd sway. 

Look on th' Ionic, ou th' jEolian Greeks. 

From them their phantom libertyis flown; 

While in each province, rais'd by Xerxes' j)0w'»s, 

Home favor^l chief presides; exalted state. 

Ne'er giv'n by envious freedom. On his head 

He beais the gorgeous diadem; he sees 

His equals once in adoration stoop 

Beneath his footstool. What superior beams *' 

Will from thy temples blaze, when gen'ral Greecfi; 

In noblest states abounduig, calls thee lord, 

Thee only worthy* How will enah rejoice 



186 

Around thy thf one, andhi\ilth' ausincioiis daj . 
When thou, distinguish'd bj' the Persian king, 
Didst in thy sway consenting nations bless, 
Didst calm the fury of unsparing war, 
Which else had delug'd all with blood and flames.' 

Leonidas replies not, but commands 
The Thespian youth, still watchful near the tentj^ 
To summon all the Grecians. He obeys. 
The king uprises from his seat, and bids 
The Persian follow. He, amaz'd, attends. 
Surrounded soon by each assembling band; 
When thus at length the godlike Spartan spake; 

•Here, Persian, tell thy embassy, Rejieat, 
That to obtain ray friendship Asia's prince 
To me hafch profFer'd sov'reignty o'er Greece. 
Then view these bands whoste valour shall preserve 
That Greece unconquer'd, which your king bestows; 
Shall strew your bodies on her crimson'd plains: 
Tlie indignation, painted on their looks, 
Their geu'rous scorn may answer for their chief. 
Yet from Leonidas, thou wretcli, inur'd 
To vassalage and baseness, hear, The pomp, 
The arts of pleasure in despotic "courts 
I spurn abhorrent. In a spotless heart 
I look for pleasure. I from righteous deeds 
Derive my splendour. No adoring croud, 
5fo purpled slaves, no mercenary spears 
My state embanass. I in Sparta rule 
By laws my rulers; with a guard unknown 
To Xerxes, public confidence and love. 
No pale suspicion of th' empoison 'd bowl, 
Th' assassin's poniard , or provok'd ) evolt , 
Chace from my decent couch the peace, deny'd 
To his resplendent canopy. Thy king, 
Who hath profaii'd by profFer'd bribes my ear. 
Dares not to meet my arm. Thee, trembling slave 
Whose embassy Avas treason, 1 despise. 
And tberefove spare.* Diomedou subjoins^ 



'Ourmarbte tuples these barbarians wsi$t^j 
A crime less iiBpious, than a bare attempiS *.;, 
Of saorilege on virtue. Grant my suit, -*'>■' 
Ihou living temple, where the goddess dwelli. 
To me consign the caitiff. Soon the winds 
Shall parch liis limbs on Oeta's \allest pine.' 

Amidst his fury suddeTily return'd 
The speed of Alpheus. ATI, suspended, fix'd 
On him their eyes, impatient. He began 

■-^I am retjjrn'd a messenger of ill. 
Close to the i)assage, op'ning into Greece^ ^ 
That post committed to the Phocian guard, 
O'erhangs a bushy cliff. A station there 
Behind the shrubs by dead ef night I took, 
Though not in darkness. Purple was the face 
Of heav'n. Beneath my feet the valleys glow'd. 
A raiige immense of wood-irtvested hills. 
The boundaries of Gree^, were clad inflames; 
An act of froward chance, or crafty foes 
To cast dismay. The crackling pines I heard; 
Their branches sparkled, atid the thickets biaz'd. 
In hillocks embers rose»*Embody'd fire. 
As from unnumber'd furnaces, I saw 
Mount high througli vacant trunks of headless oaksj 
Broad ba&'d, ai id d ry with age. Eai-barian helms, 
Shields, jayelins, sabres, gleaming from below, 
Full soon discover'd to my tortur'd sight 
I'he straits in Persia's pow'r. 1 he Phocian chief, 
Whate'er the caus^ relinquishing his post, 
Was to a neighb'inng eminence reniov'd; 
There, by the foe' neglected, or eoiitemn'd, 
Rt:i',ain'd in arms, and neiiber fled, nor fouglit, 
i staid for day spi-ing. ;; Then the Persian mov'd. 
To-mop-ow's sun willS^ tljeir numlatera here.' 

He said no more. Unutterable fear 
TSx silence Avraps the list'ning croud. 



1S8 

Aghast, confounded. Silent are the obieis. 
Who feel no terror; yet in wonder fix'd, 
Thick-wedg'd, inclose Leor.idas around, 
Who thus in calmest elocution spake. 

'I now behold the oracle fulfill'd. 
Then art thou near, thou glorious, sacred hour. 
Which shalt my country's liberty secure. 
Thrice hail! thou solemn period. Thee the tongues 
Of virtue, fame and freedom shall proclaim. 
Shall celebrate in ages yet unborn. 
Thou godhke offspring of a godlike sire, 
To him my kindest greetings , Medon, bear. 
Farewell, Megistias, holy friend and brave. 
Thou tQO, experienc'd, venerable chief, 
Demophilus , farewell. Farewell to the^ 
Invincible Diomedon, to thee, 
Unequall'd DithyranibuSjand to all, 
Ye other dauntless warriors, who may claim 
Praise from my lips, and friendship from my heart. 
You after all the wonders, which your swords 
Have here accomplish'd, will enrich your names 
By fresh renown. Your valour must complete. 
What ours begins. Here first th' astouish'd foe 
On dying Spartans shall M-ith terror gaze, 
And tremble, while he conquers. Then, by fate 
Led from his dreadful victory to meet 
United Greece in phalanx o'er the plain, 
By your avenging spears himself shall fall.' 

Forth froriftfie-assembly strides Pfetsea's chief. 
•By the twelve gods, enthron'd in heav'n supreme; 
By ray fair name, unsully'd yet, I swear^ 
Thine eye, Leonidas, shall ne'er behold 
Diomedon forsake thee. First let strength 
Desert my limbs, and fortitude my heart. 
Did I not face the Marathonian war? 
Have I not seen Thermopylae? What more 
Can fame bestow, which I should wait to sliarci'' 



I 189 

Where can I, living, purchase blighter praise. 

Than dyiug here? What more illustrious tomb 

Can I obtain, than.bury'd in the heaps 

Of Ptn'sians, fall'n my victims, on this rock 

Tolie distinguish'*! by a thousand woujids?' 

He ended; when Demophilus. «0 king 
Of Lacedaeiijon. pride of human race, 
Whom none e'er equall'd, but the seed of Jove, 
Thy own forefather, nuniber'd v ith the;gods, 
Lo! I am old. With falt'riug steps I tread 
'1 he prone descent of years. My country claim'fi 
My youth, my ripeness. Feeble age but yields 
An empty name of service. What remains 
For me unequal to the winged speed 
Of active hours, which court the swift and youngs? 
What eligible wish can wisdom form, 
But to die well? Demophilus shall close 
With thee, O hero, on this glorious earth 
His eve of life.' The youth of I hespia next 
Address'd Leonidas. 'O first of Greeks, 
IMe too think worthy to attend thy fame 
With this most dear, this venerable man, 
Forever honored from my tend'rest age, 
Ev'n till on life's extremity we part. 
Uor too aspiring let my hopes be deem'd; 
Should the Barbarian in his triumph mark 
My youtliful limbs among the gory heaps, 
Perhaps remembrance may unnerve his arm 
In future fields of contest with a I'ace, 
To whom the flow'r, the blooming. joys of life 
Are less alluring, than a noble death.' 

To him his second parent. 'Wilt thou bleed^ 
My Dithyrambus? But 1 here withhold 
All counsel from thee, who ait wise, as brave, 
i I know thy magnaninrnty. I read 
'■ Thy gen'rons thoughts. Decided is thy choictf 
€<nce tlien, att^dants on a godlike shade, 



190 

Wlien to lb' Elysian ancesti^ of Greece 

Descends liev great protector, we will shew 

To Harraatides au illustrious son, 

And no unworthy brother. We will link 

Our shields together. We will jiress the ground. 

Still undivided in the arms of deatli. 

So if th' attentive traveller we draw 

To our cold reliques, wond'ring, shall he trace 

The difF'rent scene, then pregnant with applause, 

O wise old man, gxclaim, the hour of fate 

Weil didst thou chuse; and,0 unequali'd youth, 

Who for thy couutrydidst thy bloom devote, 

Miy'st thou remain forever dear to fame! 

Maj time rejoice to name theel O'er thy urn 

May everlasting peace her pinion spread.' 

This said, the hero with his lifted shield 
His face o'ershades; he drops a secret tear: 
Not this a tear ofanguish, but deriv'd 

• From fond a Section, grown mature with time, 

^\wak'd a manly tenderness alone, 
Unraix'd with pity, or with vaiu regret. 

A stream of duty, gratitude and love 
Flow'd from the heart of Harniatides' son, 
Addressing straight Leonidas, whose looks 
Declar'd unspeakable applause. 'O king 
Of Lacedamon, oow distiibute praise 
From tliy accustom'd justice, small to me, 
To him a portion large. His guardian care. 
His kind instruction, his example train'd 
My infancy, my youth. From him I learn'd 
To live, unspotted. Could I less, than learn 
From him to die with honor.' Medon hears. 
Shook by a whirlwind of contending thoughts 
Strong heaves his manly bosom, under awe 
Of wise M€hssa,toni by friendship, fir' d 
By sucli example liigh. In dubious state 
So rolls a vessel, when th' inflated wares 



191 

Her planks assail, and winds her canvass rend; 
The rudder labours, and requires a hand 
Of finn, delib'rate skill. The genious king 
Perceive's tlie hero's struggle,- and preijares 
To interpose relief ; when instant came 
Dieneces before them. Short he spake* 

'Barbaiian njyriads through the secret pass 
Have enteral Greece. Leonidas, by mora 
Expect them here. My slender force I spar'd. 
There tx) have died was useless. We return 
With thee to perish. Union of our strength 
Will render more illustrious to ourselves. 
And to the foe more terrible our fall.' 

^ Megistias last accosts Laconia's king. 
'Thou, whom the gods have chosen to exalt 
Above mankind in virtue and renown, 

call not rae presumptuous, who iinjjlore 
Among these heroes thy regardful ear. 
To Lacedsemon I a stinger came, 

There found protection. There to honors rais'il^ 

1 have not yet the benefit repaid. 

That now the gen'rous Spartans may behold 
In me their large beneficence not vain, 
Here to their cause I consecrate my breath.' 

'Not so, Megistias,' interpos'd the king. 
"Thou and thy son retire.' Again the seer— 

'Forbid it, thou eternally ador'd, 
O Jove, confirm my persevering soul! 
Nor let me these ausjjicious moments lose, 
When to my bounteous patrons I may show. 
That I dcserv'd their favor. Thou, my child, 
Dear Menalippus,heed the king's command, 
And my paternal tendeniess revere; 
Thou from these ranks withdraw thee, to my use 
Thy arxas surrend'ring. Fortune will supply 



1^2 

New proofs of valor. , Vanquish then, or finci 
A glorious grave; but spai-e thy father's eye 
The bitter auguish to behold thy youth 
Untimely bleed before hin|? Grief suspends 
His speech, and interchangeably their arms 
Impart the last embraces. Either weeps, 
The hoary parent, and the blooming son. 

But from Iris temples the pontific wreath 
Megistias now unloosens. He resigns 
His hallow'd vestments; while the youth in tears 
The helmet o'er his parent's snowy locks, 
O'er his broad chest adjusts the radiant mail, 

Dieneces was nigh. Oppress'd by shame, 
His doAvncast visage Menalippus bid 
From him, who cheerful thus. *Thou needst not blush^ 
Thou hear'stthy father and the king command, 
What I suggested, thy departure hence. 
Train'd by my care, a soldier thou return'st. 
Go, practice my instructions. Oft in fields 
Of future conflict may thy prowess call 
Me to remembrance. Spare thy words. Farewell.' 

■\Vhile such contempt of life, such fervid zeal 
To die with glory animate the Greeks, 
Far diff 'rent thoughts possess Argestes' soul- 
Amaze and mingled terror chill his blood. 
Cold drops, distill'd from ev'ry pore, bedew 
His shiv'riiig flesh. His bosom pants. His knees 
yield to their burden. Ghastly pallid his cheeks. 
Pale are his lips and trembling. Such the minds 
Of slaves con'upt; on them the beauteous face 
Of virtue turns to horror. But these Mords 
.From Lacedsemen's chief the wretch relieve. 

•Return to Xerxes Tell him, on this rock 
The Grecians faithful to their trust await 
Hi? diosen xnyriads. Tell him, thou hast see», 



193 

How far the lust of empire is below 

A freeboru spirit; that my death, which sfeals 

My country's safety, is indeed a boon, 

His folly gives, a precious boon, which Greece 

Will by perdition to his throne repay.' 

He said. The Persian hastens through the pass. 
Once more the stem Dioraedon arose. 
Wrath overcast his forehead, while he sj)ake. 

'Yet move must stay and bleed. Detested Thebes 
Ne'er shall receive her traitors back. This spot 
Shall see their perfidy aton'd bj' death, 
Ev'n from that pow'r, to which their abject hearts 
Have sacritic'd their faith. Nor dare to hoiie, 
Ye vile deserters of the public weal. 
Ye coward slaves, that, mingled in the heaps 
Of gen'rous victims to their country's good, 
You shall your shame conceal. Whoe'r shall pass 
Along the field of glorious slain, and mark 
For veneration ev'ry nobler corse; 
His heart, though warm in rapturous applause, 
Awhile shall curb the transport to repeat 
His execrations o'er such impious heads, 
On whom that fate, to others yielding fame, 
Is iiifainy and vengeance.' Dreadful thus 
On the pale Thebans sentence he pronounc'd. 
Like Rhadamanthus from th' infernal seat 
Of iiidgment, which inexorably dooms 
The guilty dead to ever-diiring pain; 
While Phlegethon his Maraing volumes rolls 
Before their sight, and ruthless furies shake 
Their hissing serpents. All the Greeks assent 
In clamors, echoing through the concave rock. 
Forth Anaxander in th' assembly stood, 
"AVliich he address'd with indignation feign'd. 

'If yet your clamours, Grecians, are allay 'd. 
Lo! 1 appear before you to demand. 
K 



194 

Why these my brave companions, who alone 
Among the Thebans through dissuading crouds 
Tlieir passage fore'd to join your camp, should beat' 
The name of traitors.' By an exil'd wretch 
We are trad uc'd, by Demaratus, driv'n 
Pi*om Spartan confines, who hath meanly sought 
Barbarian courts for shelter. Hath he drawn 
Such virtues thence, that Sparta, who before 
Held him unworthy of his native sway, 
Shoidd trust him noAv, and doubt auxiliar friends? 
Injurious men! We scorn the thoughts" of flight. 
Let Asia bring her numbers; unconstrain'd, 
We will confront them, and for Greece expire.' 

Thus in the garb of virtue he adorn'd 
Necessity. Laconia's kingperceiv'd 
Through all its fair disguise the traitor's heart. 
So, when at first mankind in science rude 
Kever'd the moon, as bright in native beams, 
Some sage, who walk'd with nature through her works, 
By wisdojn led, discern'd the various orb. 
Dark in itself, in foreign splendours clad. 

Leonidas concludes. 'Ye Spartans, hear; 
Hear you, O Grecians, in our lot by choice 
Partakers, destin'd to enroll your names 
In time's eternal record, and enhance 
Your countr) 's lustre: lo! the noontide blazfe 
Inflames the broad horizon. Each retire; 
Each in liis tent invoke the pow'r of sleep 
To brace his vigour, to enlarge his strength 
Por long endurance. When the sun descends, 
Xet each appear in arms. You, brave allies 
Of Corinth, Phlius, and Mycenae's tow'rs, 
Arcadians, Locrians, must not yet depart. 
While we repose, embattled wait. Retreat, 
When v\ e our tents abandon. I resign 
To great Oileus' son supreme command. 
Take my embraces, .(Eschylus. The fleet 
Expects thee. To Theniistocles report, 



495 

what thou hast seen and heai-d. O thrice farewell! 
Til' Athenian ausvver'd. J'o yourselves, my friends, 
Your virtues inuiiortaJity secure, 
lour bright examples victory to Greece.' 

Retaining- these injunctions, all dispers'dj 
■\Vhilc in his tent Leonidas reinain^d 
Apart with Agis, vviioui he thus besj)ake. 
'Yet in our fall the pond'rous hand of Greece 
Shall Asia feel. Tliis Persian's welcome tale 
Of us, uiestricably doonj'd her prey, 
As by the force of sorcery will wrap 
Security around her, will suppress 
All sense, all thought of danger. Brother, laiow, 
That soon, as Cynthia from the vault of lit^iiv'n 
Withdraws her shining lamp, tlirough Asia's host 
Shall massacre and desolation rage. 
"Yet not to base associates will 1 trust 
]My vast desigii. Their perfidy might warn 
The unsuspecting foe, our fairest fruits 
Of glory thus be withered. Ere we move, 
While on the solemn saeiifiee intent, 
As Lacedtemon's ancient laws ordain, 
Our pray'rs we orfer to the tuneful nine, 
Thou whisper througli the willing ranks of Thebes 
Slow and in silence to disperse and fly.' 

Now left by Agis, on his couch reciin'd, 
The Spartan king thus meditates alone. 

'My fate is now impending^ O my soul. 
What more auspicious period couldst thou ehuse 
For death, than now, when, l)eatiiig high in joy, 
Ihou tell'st Jr.t. ( am happy? If to live, 
Or ilie, as virtue dictates, be to know 
Tl) • (*!U'est bliss; if slu her charms disi)lays 
Still lovely, s' ill unfading, still serene 
To youth, to age. to death: whateveL' be 
Those other climes of happii.tss unchang'd. 
Which heay'a in dark futurity conceals, 



196 

Still here, O viitue, thou art all our good. 
Oh! what a blacJi,unspeakuble reverse 
Must the unrighteous, must the tyrant prove .^ 
What in the struggle of dejiarting day, 
When life's last glimpse, extinguishing, presents 
Unknown, inextricable gloom? But how 
Can I explain the terroi,-s of a breast, 
Where guilt resides? Leonidas, forego 
The horrible conception, and again 
Within thy own felicity retire; 
Bow grateful down to him, who form'd thy muid, 
Of crimes unfruitful, never to admit 
The black impression of a guilty thought. 
Else could I fearless by delib'rate choice 
Relinquish life. This calm from minds deprav'd 
Is ever absent. Oft in them the force 
Of some prevailing passion for a time 
'Suppresses fear. Precipitate they lose 
The sense of danger; wheji dominion, wealth. 
Or purpled pomp enchant the dazzled sight, 
Pursuing still the joys of life aloiie. 

'But he, who calmly seeks a certain death^ 
Wlieri duty only, and the gen' ral good 
Direct his courage, must a soul possess, 
Vhjch, all content deducing from itself, 
Can by unerring virtue's constant light 
JDiscern, when death is worthy of his choice. 

'The man, thus great and happy, in tlie scope 
Of his large mind is stretch 'd beyond his date. 
Ev'n on this shore of being he in thought, 
Suiiremely bless'd, anticipates the good. 
Which late posterity from him dgrives.' 

At length the hero's meditations close. 
The swelling transport of his heart subsides 
In soft oblivion ; and the silken plumes 
Of sleep envelope his extended limbs. 



LEONIDAB. 
BOOK XI. 



THE ARGUMENT. 

Xeonidas, rising before suu-set, dismisses the forces un- 
der the commaiid ofMedoii; but observing a reluc' 
tance in him to depai't, renjinds him of his duty, and 
gives him an affectionate farewell. He then relates 
to his own select band a dream, which is interpreted 
by Megistias, arms himself, and marches in proces- 
sion with his whole troop to an altar, newly raised on 
a neighbouring meadow; there offers a sacrifice to the 
muses; he invokes the assistance of those goddesses,; 
he animates his companions; then, placing himself at 
the ir head, leads them agaiast the enemy in the dead 

' of the night. 



LEONIDAS. 



BOOK XL 



Tr 



HE day was closing'. Agis left his tent. 
He sought his god-like brother. Him he found 
Stretch'd O'er his tranquil couch. His looks retainVl 
The cheerftil tincture of his waking thoughts 
To gladden sleep. So stuile soft evening skies, 
Yet streaJt'd with ruddy light, when summer's suns 
Have veil'd their beaming foreheads. Transpoit fill'd 
•The eye of Agis. Friendship swell'd his heart. 
His yielding knee in veneration bent. 
The hero's hand he kiss'd, then fervent thus, 

'O excellence ineffable, receive 
This secret homage; and may gentle sleep 
Yet longer seal thine eyelids, that, unblam'd, 
I may fall down before thee.' He concludes 
In adoration of his friend divine, 
Whose brow the shades of shmiber now forsake. 
So, wlien the rising sun resumes his state, 
Some white-rob'd magus on Euphrates side, 
Or Indian seer on Ganges prostrate falls 
Before th' emerging gloiy, to salute 
That radiant emblem of th' immortal mind. 

Uprise both heroes. From their tents in arms 
Appear the bands elect. The other Greeks 
Are filing homeward. Only Medon stops. 
Melissa's dictates he forgets awhile. 
All inattentive to the warning voice 
Of Melib03us, earnest he surveys 
Leonidas. Such constancy of zeal 
In goodOileus' offspring biings the sire 



206 

To full remembrance in tliat solemn hour, 
And draws these condial aecents from the king, 

'Approach me, Locrian. In thy look I trace 
Consummate faith ajid love. But, vers'd in arms'. 
Against thy gen'ral's orders wouldst thou stay? 
Go, prove to kind Oileus, that my heart 
Of him was mindful, when the gates of death 
I barr'd against his son. Yon gallant Greeks, 
To thy commanding care from minetransfer'd, 
Remove from certain slaughter. Last repair 
To Lacedaemon. Thither lead thy sire. 
Say to her senate, to her people tell, 
Here didst thou leave their countrymen and king 
On deatli resolv'd, obedient to the laws. 

The Locrian chief, restraining tears, replies— 
'My sire, left slumb'ring in the island-fane, 
Awoke no more' — 'Then joyful I shall meet 
Hht! soon,' the king made answer.— 'Let thy worth 
Supply thy father's. Virtue bids me die, 
'Hiee live. Farewell.' Now Medon's grief, o'eraw'd 
By viisdom, leaves his long-sudpended mind 
To firm decision. He departs, prepar'd 
For all the duties of a man, by deeds 
To prove himself tire friend of Sparta's king, 
JNIelissa's brother, and Oileus' son. 

The sren'rous victims of the public weal, 
Assembled now, Leor.idas salutes. 
His pregiiant iouldisburd'ning — 'O thrice hail! 
Suric/iiiid me, Grecians; to my words attend. 
This evening's sleep no sooner press'd my brows. 
Than o'er my head the empp-eal form 
Of heav'n-entliron'd \lcides was display'd. 
1 saw his magnitude di\ine. His voice 
I heard, his solejun mandate to arise. 
X rose. He bade me follow. I obey'd. 
A moiintftin's suinmitj clear'd fwm mist, or cloud, 



201 

vVe feach'd in silehce. Suddenly the howl 
Of wolves and dogs, the vulture's pieveing shviek, 
The yell of ev'ry beast and bird of prey 
Discordant grated on my ear. I turn'd. 
A surface hideous, delug'd o'er with blood, 
Beyond rny view illiiuitably stretch'd, 
One vast expanse of horror. There supine. 
Of huge dimension, cov'ring lialf the plain, 
A giant corse lay mangled, retl with wounds, 
Delv'd in th' enormous Hesh, which, bubbling, fed 
1'en thousand, thousand grisly beaks and jaws^ 
Insatiably devouring. Mute I gaz'd; 
When from behind I heard a second sound 
Like furges, tumbling o'er a ci'aggy shore. 
Again I tum'd. An ocean there appear'd 
With riven keels and shrouds, with shiver'd oarS; 
With arms and wel'triug carcasses bestrewn 
Innu.nerous. The billows foa.u'd in blood. 
But where the waters, unobscrv'd before, 
Between two adverse shores, contracting, roU'd 
A stormy current, on the beach forlorn 
One of majestic stature 1 descry'd 
In ornaments imperial. Oft he bent 
On me his clouded eyeballs. Oft my name 
He sounded forth in execrations loud; 
Then rent his splendid garments; then his head 
In rage divested of its graceful hairs. 
Impatient now heey'd a slender skiff* 
Which, mounted high on boist'rous waves approach'd. - 
With indignation, with reluctant grief 
Once more his sight reverting, he embark'd 
Amid the perils of the frowning deep. 
Ot]iou,by glorious actions rank'd iu heav'n, 
I here exclaim'd, instruct me. What jiroduc'd 
This desolation? Hercules reply'd. 
Let thy astonished eye again survey 
The scene, thy soul abhorr'd. 1 look'd. I saw 
A land, where plenty with disporting hands 
Pour'd all the fruits of Araaltbea's hors; 
K2 



202 

"Wheit bloomed the olive; whei'e the clustriug viae 

Witli her broad foliage mantled ev'ry hill; 

Where Ceres with exuberance enrob'd 

The pregnant bosoms of the fields in gold; 

Where spacious towns, whose circuits proud contain'd 

The dazzling works of wealth along the banks 

Of copious rivers shew'd their stately tow'rs, 

The strength and splendour of the peopled land. 

Then in a moment clouds obscur'd my view; 

At oiice all vanish'd from my waking tyes. 

Thrice I salute the omen, loud began 
The sage Megistias, In this mj stic dream 
I see my country's victories. The land, 
The deep shall own her triumphs; while the tears 
Of Asia and of Libya shall deplore 
Their oiTspriug, cast before the vulture's beak, 
And ev'ry monstrous native of the main. 
Those joyous fields of plenty picture Greece, 
Enrich'd by conquest, and Barbarian spoils. 
He, whom thou saw'st, in regal vesture cladj 
Print on the sand his solitary step, 
Is Xerxes, foil'd and fugitive.' So spake 
The rev'rend augur. Ev'ry bosom felt 
Enthusiastic raptin-e, joy beyond 
All sense, and all conception, bur of those. 
Who die to save their country. Here again 
Th' exulting band Leonidas address'd. 

'Since liappiness from virtue is deriv'd, 
Who for his country dies, that moment proves 
Most happy, as most virtuous. Sucli our lot. 
But go, Megistias. Instantly prepare 
The sacred luel. and the victim due; 
That to the muses (so by Sparta's law 
We are en join'd) our oft''rings may be paid, 
Before we march. Remeuiber, from the rites 
Let ev'ry sound be absent; not the fif , 
Not ev'n the music-breathing flute be heard. 



20S 

Meantime, ye leaders, ev'ry baiid instruct 

To move in silence. Mindful of their charge 

The chiefs depart. Leonidas provides 

His various armour. Agis close attends, 

His best assistant. First a breastplate arras 

The spaeiotis chest. O'er this the hei'o spreads 

The mailed cuirass, from his shoulders hung. 

A shining belt infolds his mighty loins. 

Next on liis stately temples he erects 

Tlie plumed helm; then grasps his pond'rous shieW. 

Where riigh the center on projectii'jg brass 

Tb' inimitable artist had eniboss'd 

llie shape of great Alcides; whom to gain 

•^rwo goddessess contended. Pleasure here 

Won by soft wiles th' attracted eye; and there 

The form of Virtue dignify'd the scene. 

In her majestic sweetness was display'd 

The mind sublime and happy. From her lips 

Seem'd eloquence to flow. In look serene, 

Biufix'd intensely on the son of Jove, 

She wav'd her hand, where, winding to the skieSj 

Her paths ascended. On the summit stood, 

Supported by a trophy near to heav'n, 

Fame, and protended her eternal trump. 

The youth attentive to her wisdojn own'd 

The prevalence of Virtue; while his eye, 

Fill'd by that spirit, which redeem'd the worW. 

From tyranny and monsters, darted flames; 

Not undescry'd by Pleasure, where she lay 

Beneath a gorgeous canopy. Around 

Were flow'rets strewn, and wantonly in rills 

A fount mseaiider'd All relax'd her limbsj 

Nor wanting yet solicitude to gain, 

What lost she fear'd, as struggling with despaii', 

She seem'd collecting ev'ry pow'r to charm: 

Excess of sweet allurement shediffus'd 

In vain. Still Virtue sway'd Alcides' mind. 

Hence all his labours. Wrought with vary'd art, 

TJie sliield'stixterHal surface they enrich'd, 



204 

This portraiture of glory on his avm 
Leonidas displays, and, tow'rir.g, strides 
Prom his jjavilion. Ready are the bands. 
The chiefs assume their station. Twches blaze 
Through ev'iy file. All now in silent pace 
To join in solemn sacrifice proceed. 
First Polydorus bears the hallovv'd knife, 
The sacred salt and barley. At his side 
Diomedon sustains a weighty mace. 
The priest, Me^istias, follows like the rest 
In polish'd armour. White, as winter's fleece, 
A fillet round his shining helm reveals 
The sacerdotal honors. By the horns, 
"Where laurels twine, with Alpheus Maron leads 
The consecrated ox. And lo! behind, 
Leonidas advances. Never he 
In such transcendent majesty was seen, 
And his own virtue never so enjoy'd. 
Successive move Dieneces the brave, 
In hoary state Deraopliilus, the bloom 
Of Didiyrarabus, glowing iii the hope 
Of future praise, the gen'rous Agis next 
Serene and gi-aceful, last the Theban chiefs, 
Repining, ignominious: then slow march 
The troops all mute, nor shake tlieir brazen aiinsf 

Not from Thermopylae remote the hills 
Of Oeta, yielding to a fraitful dale, 
Within tlieir side, half-circling, liad inclos'd 
A fair expanse in verdure smooth. The bounds 
Weie edg'd by wood, o'erlook'd by snowy cliffs, 
■WhicU from the clouds bent frowning. Down a rock 
Above the loftiest smnmit of the gTove 
A tumbling tovrent wore the shagged stone; 
Then, gleaming through the intervals of sliade, 
Attaii-'d the valley, where the level stream 
Diif 1 !s'd refreshment. On its ban ks the Greeks 
Had rais'd a rustic altar, fram'd of turf. 
Broad was the surface, high in piles of wood, 



205 

All intei'spers'd with laurel. Purer deem'd, 

Than river, lake, or fountain, in a vase 

Old Ocean's briny element was plac'd 

Before the altar; and of wine unmix'd 

Capacious goblets stood. Megistias now 

Hishehii unloosen'd. With his snowy head, 

Ujicover'd, round the solemn pile he trod. 

He shook a branch of laurel, scatt'ring wide 

The sacred moisture of the main. His hand 

Next on the altar, on the victim sljvew'd 

The mingled salt aiid barley. Oe'r the horns 

Th' inverted chalice, foaming from the grape, 

Discharg'd a rich libation. Then approach'd 

Diomedon. Megistias gave the sign. 

Down sunk the victim by a deathful stroke, 

Nor groan'd. The augur bury'd in the throat 

His hallow 'd steel. A purple current flow'd. 

Now smok'd the structure, now it fiam'd abroad 

In sudden splendour. Deep in circling ranks 

rhe Grecians press'd. Each held a sparkling brandy 

The beaming lances intermix'd; the helms. 

The burnish'd armour raultiply'd the blaze. 

Leonidas drew nigh. Before the pile 

His feet he planted. From his Im'ows remov'd, 

The casque to Agis he consign'd; his shield, 

His spear to Dithyi-arabus; then, his anns 

Extending, forth in supplication broke— 

'Harmonious daughters of Olympian Jov^ 
Who, on the top of Helicon ador'd. 
And high Parnassus, with delighted ears 
Bend to the warble of Castalia's stream, 
Or Aganippe's murmur, if from thence 
We must invoke your presence; or along 
The neighb'ring mountains with propitious stepS 
If now you grace your consecrated bow'rs, 
.Look down, ye Muses; nor disdain to stand 
Each an immortal witness of our fate. 
But with you bring faic Liberty, whom Jovej 



206 
Atid you most honor. Let her sacred eyes 
Approve her dying Grecians; let her voice 
In exuhation tell the earth and heav'ns, 
These are her sons Then strike your tuneful shells* 
Record us guardians of our parent's age, 
Our matron's virtue, and our children's bloom, 
The glorious bulwarks of our country's laws, 
^Vho shall ennoble the histoi-iaii'spage, 
Shall on the ioyous festival inspire 
With loftier strains the virgin's choral song. 
Then, O celestial maids, on yonder camp 
Let night sit heavy. Let a sleep like death 
Weigh down the eye of Asia. O infuse 
A cool, untroubled spirit in our breasts, 
Which may in silence guide our daring feet, 
Controul our fury, rior by tumult wild 
The friendly dark aFright; till dying gi'oans 
Of slaughter'd tyrants into horror wake 
The midnight calm. Then tmn destruction loose. 
Let terror, let confusion rage around. 
In one vast ruin heap the barb'rous ranks. 
Their horse, their chariots. Let the spurning steed 
Imbrue his hoofs in blood, the shatter'd cars 
Crush with their brazen weight the prostrate necks 
Of chiefs and kings, encircled, as they fall. 
By nations slain. You, counti-ymen and friends, 
My last commands retain. Your gen'ral's voice 
Once tfiore salutes you, not to rouse the brave, 
Or minds, resolv'd ai-.d dauntless, to confirm. 
Too well b this expiring blaze I see 
Impatient valour flash from ev'ry eye. 
O temper well that a''dour, and your lips 
Close on the rising traxisport. Mark, how sleep 
Hath folded millions in his black embrace. 
No sound is wafted from th' unnumber'd foe. 
The winds themselves are silent. All conspires 
To this great sao-ificf-. wliere thousands soon 
Shall o- :ly wake to die. Thei cr<)« dtd train 
This uisht .perhaps to Fiuto'&dreury shades 



207 

Ev'n Xei'xfs' ghost may lead, unless reserv'd 
From this destruc(ioii to lament a doom 
Of more disgrace, when' Greece confounds that pow'r. 
Which we will shake. But look the setting; moon 
Shuts on our darksome paths her waining horns. 
Let each his head distinguish by a wreath 
Of well-eani'd laurel, rhen the victim share, 
Then crown the goblet. Take your last repast; 
With your forefathers, and the h< rocs old 
You next will banquet in the bless'd abode?.' 

Here ends their leader. Through th' encircling ci'oud 
The agitation of their spears denotes 
High ardoiu'. So the spiry growth of pines 
Is rock'd, when vEolus in eddies winds 
Among their stately trunks on Pelion's brow. 
The Acarnanian seer distributes swift 
TJie sacred liurel. Snatch'd in eager zeal 
Around each helm the woven lea^'es iniite 
Their glossy verdure to the floating plumes. 
Then is the victim portiou'd. In the bowl 
Then Hows the vine's empurpled stream. Aloof 
The Iheban train in wan dejection mute 
Brood o'er their shame, or cast affrighted looks 
On that determiri'd courage, whicih, unmov'd 
At fate's approach, with cheerful lips could taste 
The sparlding goblet, could in joy partake 
The last, that glorious banquet. Ev'n the heart 
Of Anaxander had forgot its wiles, 
Dissembling tear no longer. Agis here, 
Ke a.dful ever of the King's command. 
Accosts the Theban chiefs in wliispers thus— 

'Leonidas pergaits you to retire. 
While on the rites of sacrifice emjtloy'd, 
None heed your juotions. Separate and fly 
In silent pace.' This heard, th' inglorious ticop 
Their files dissolving, from the rest withdraw. 
Unseen they moulder from the host like snow. 



20S 

E'reed ftmn the rigour of constraiiiing irostj 

Soon as the sun exerts his orient beam, 

The transitory landscape melts in rills 

Away, and structures, which delude the eye, 

Insensibly are lost. The solemn feast 

Was now concluded. Now Laconia's king 

Had reassum'd his arms. Before his step 

The croud roll backward. In their gladden'd sight 

His crest, illumin'd by upliftetl brands, 

Its purple splendour shakes. The tow'ring oak 

Thus from a lofty promontory waves 

His majesty of verdure. As with joy 

The sailors mark his heav'n-ascending pride, 

Which from afar directs their foamy course 

Along the pathless ocean; so the Greeks 

In transport gaze, as down their op'ning ranks 

The king proceeds: from whose superior frame 

A soul like thine, O Phidias, might conceive 

In Parian marble, or effulgent brass 

The form of great Apollo; when the god, 

Won by the jiray'rs of man's afflicted race, 

In arms forsook his lucid throne to pierce 

The monster Pytlion in the Delphian vale. 

Close by the hero Polydorus waits 

To guide destruction through the Asian tents. 

As the young eagle near his parent's side 

In wanton flight essays his vig'rous wing. 

Ere long with her to penetrate the clouds, 

To dart impetuous on the fleecy train^ 

And dye his beak in gore; by Sparta's king 

The injur'd Polydorus thus prepares 

His arm for death. He feasts his angry soul 

On i)rorais'cl vengeance. His impatient thoughts 

Ev'n now transport him furious to the seat 

Of his long sorrows, not with fetter'd hands, 

Eut now once more a Spartan with his spear, 

His shield restor'd, to lead his country's bands, 

And with them devastation. Nor the rest 

Neglect to form. Thick-rang'd, the helmets blend 



209 
Their various plumes, as interraingling oaks 
Combine tJieir foliage in Dodona's grove; 
Or as the cedars on the Syrian hills 
Their shady texture spread. Once more the king, 
O'er all the phalanx his consid'rate view 
Extending, through the ruddy gleam descries 
One face of gladness; but the godlike van 
He most contemplates: Agis, Alpheus there. 
Megistias, Maron with Platsea's chief, 
Dieueces, Demo])hilus are seen 
With Thespia's youth: nor they their steady sight 
From his remove, in speech iess transport bound 
By love, by veneration; til! they hear 
His last injunction. To their diff'rent posts 
They sep'rate. Instant on the dewy turf 
Are cast th' extinguish'd brands. On all around 
Drops sudden darluiess, on the wood, the hill, 
The snowy ridge, the vale, the silver stream. 
It verg'd on midnight. Tovv'rd the hostile camp 
In march compos'd and silent down the pass 
The phalanx mov'd. Each patient bosom hush'd 
Its struggling spirit, nor in whispei-s breath'd 
The rapt'rous ardour, virtue then inspir'd. 
So louring clouds along th' etherial void 
in slow expansion from the gloomy north 
Awhile suspend their horrors, destin'd soon 
To blaze in lightnings, anc} to burst in storms. 



LEONIDAS. 

BOOK XII. 



■It ■%■- 



■' THE ARGUMENT. 

ILeonldas and the Grecians penetrate through the Pey* 
sian camp to the very pavilion of Xerxes, who avoids 
destruction by flight. The Barbarians are slaugiiter*' 
ed in great multitudes, and their camp is set on A re. 
Leonidas conducts his men in good order back to 
Thermopyl9e, engages the Persians, who v/ere de« 
scended from the hills, and after numberless proofs 
of superior strength and valor, sinks down cover- 
ed with wounds, and expires the last of all the Gm 
cian command ers . 



•*(»•*■' 



LEONIDAS. 



BOOK XII. 



A. 



CROSS th' unguarded bound of Asia's camp 
Slow pass the Grecians, rhrough innum'rous tents, 
"Wheie all is inuteand uauquil, they pursue 
Their niart'h sedate. Beneath the leaden hand 
Ot sle«^ lie niiilions motionless and deaf, 
jVor dream of fate's approach. Their wary foes, 
E\ Folydorus gniided, still proceed. 
Ev'n to the centre of th' extensive host 
They pierce unseen; when !o! th' imperial tent 
Yet distant rose before thein. Spreading round 
Th' august pavilion, was an aniple space 
For thousanas in arrangement. Here a band 
Of chosen Persians, watchful o'er the king, 
Held their nocturnal sraiion. As the heaits 
Ol' anxious nations, whomth' unsparing sword^ 
Or famine threaten, tremble at tlie sight 
Of fear-engender'd phantoms in the sky, 
Ae'ial hosts amid the clouds array'd, 
I'oitending woe and death; the Persian guard 
In equal consternation now descry'd 
The glihipse of hostile armour. All disband 
As if au\i!iar io his favor'd Greeks 
Pan held tlieir banner, scatt'ring from its folds 
Fear and confusion, which to Xerxes couch, 
St\'ift-winged, fl)'; thence shaki the gen'ral camp, 
IVliose numbers issue naked, pale", unarm'd; 
"Wild in amazement, blinded by dismay, 
To ev'ry foe obnoxious. In the breasts 
Of thousands, gor'd at once, tlie Grecian steel 
Jl(H-ks in destruction, Dt luges of blood 
Float o'er the field, and foam around the heaps 
Of wretches, slain unconscious of the hand, 



214^ 

I^Tiich wastes their helpless multitude. Amast, 

Affrigiit, disti action, from his pillow chace 

The lord of Asia, who in thought beliolds 

United Greece in arms. I'hy lust of pow'r! 

Thy hope of glory! whither are they flown 

With all thy pomp? In this disastrous hour 

What could avail th' immeasurable range 

Of thy pi-oud camp, save only to conceal 

Thy trembling steps, O Xerxes, while thou fly'stf 

To thy deserted couch with other looks 

With other steps Leonidas is nigh. 

Befort him tetror strides. Gigantic death, ' 

And desolation at his side attend. 

The vast pavillion's empty space, where lamps 
Of gold shed light and odours, now admits 
Tht hero. Ardent throngs behind him press. 
But miss their victim. To the ground are hurl'd 
The glitt'riug er.signs of imperial state. 
The diadem, the sceptre, late ador'd 
1'hrough boundless kingdoms, underneath their feet 
In -iiiiigled I'ageand scorn the warriors crush 
A sacrifice to freedom. They return . 
Again to foriri. Leonidas exalts, 
For new destruction his resistless spear; 
When double darkness suddenly descends. 
1 he clouds, condensing, intercept the stars 
Black o'er the furrow 'd main the raging east 
In wliirlw inds sweeps the sui'ge. The coasts resound^ 
The caverifd locks, the crashing forests roar 
Swift throrigh the camp the hurricane impells 
Its rude careei; when Asia's numbers, veil'd 
Amid the shelt'riiig horrors of the storm. 
Evade tlie victor's lar.ce. The Grecians halt; 
^Vhile to their gen'rals preg:iant mind occurs 
A new attempt and vast. Perpetual fire 
Beside the tent of Xerxes from the hour. 
He lodg'd his standards o); the I'laliais plainst, 
Had shone. Among his Magi to adore 



210 

Gfeat Horomazes was the inonarcli wont 

Before the sacred liglit. Huge piles of wood 

Lay nigh, prepai'dto feed the constant flarae. 

On hving embei's these are castt So wills 

Leonidas- The phalanx then divides. 

Four troops are forni'd, by Dithyjrambus led, 

By Alpheus, bv Dioniedon. The last 

Himself conducts. The woixl is giv'n. They seize 

The burning fuel. Sparkling in the wind, 

Destructive fire is brandish'd. All, enjoiu'd 

To reassemble at the regal tent , 

By various paths the hostile camp invade. 

|Now devastation, unconfin'd, involves 
The Malian fields. Among Barbarian tents 
From diff 'rent stations fly consuming flames. 
The Greeks aiFord no respite; aiidthe storm 
Exasperates the blaze. To ev'ry part 
'i"he conflagration like a sea expands, 
One waving surface of unbounded fire. 
In ruddy volumes mount tht- curling flames 
To heav'n'sdark vault, and paint the midnight clouds. 
So, when the north emits his purpled lights. 
The undulated radiance, sti-eaming wide, 
As with a burning canopy invests 
Th' etherial concave. Oeta now disclos'd 
His forehead glitt'ring in eternal frost; 
While down his rocks the foamy torrents shone. 
Far o'er the main the j>ointed rays were thrown; 
aright snatch'd her mantle from theoceaji's breast; 
The billows glimhier'd from the distant shores. 

But lo! a pillar huge of smoke ascends, 
Which overshades the field. There horror, there 
liConidas jiresides. Command lie gave 
To Pohdorus, who, exulting, shew'd, 
Where Asia's horse, and warlike cars possess'd 
A erouded station. At the hero's nod 
DeTouving Vulcan riots on the stores 



216 

Of Ceres, empty'd of the vipen'd gi'aiu. 
On all the tribute from her meadows brown. 
By rich Thessalia render'd to the scythe. 
A flood of fire envelopes all the ground. 
The coixlage bursts around the blazing tents; 
Down sink the roofs on suffocated throngs, 
Close-wedg'd by fear. The Libyan chariot buriois. 
Th' Arabian camel, and the Persian steed 
Bound through a burning deluge. Wild with pain 
They shake their singed manes. Their madding hoOf 
Dash through the blood of thousands, mix'd with flanii 
"Which rage, augmented by the whirlwind's blast. 

Meantime the scepter'd lord of half the globe 
From tent to tent precipitates his flight. 
Dispers'd are ail his satraps. Pride herself 
Shuns his dejected brow. Despair alone 
Waits on th' imperial fugitive; and shews. 
As round the camp his eye, distracted, roves, 
No limits to destruction. Now is seen 
Auroia, momiting fiom her eastern hill 
In rosy sandals, and with dewy locks. 
The winds subside before her; darkness flies; 
A stream of light proclaims the cheerful day, 
Which sees at Xerxes' tent the conqu'ring bands j 
All reunited. What could fortune more 
To aid the valiant, what to gorge revenge? 
Lo! desolation o'er the adverse host 
Hath empty'd all her teiTors. Ev'n the hand 
Of languid slaughter dropt the crimson steel; 
Nor nature longer can sustain the toil 
Of unremitted conquest. "Yet what pow'r 
Among these sons of liberty reviv'd 
Their dro' ping warmth, new-strung their nerves, recall 
Their weary'd swords to deeds of brighter fame? 
What, but th' inspiring hope of glorious death 
To crown their labours, and th' auspicious look 
Of their heroic chief, whicli, still unchang'd. 
Still ia superjor majesty declar'd^ 



2ir 

No toil bad yet relaxed his matchless strength, 
Nor worn the vigour of his godlike soul. 

Back to the pass m gentle march he leads' 
Th' embattled warriors. They behind the shrubs/ 
Where Medon sent such numbers to the shades, 
In ambush lie. The tempest is o'erblown. 
Soft breezes only from the Malian wave 
O'er each grim face, besmear'd with smoke and gore^ . 
Their cool refreshment breathe. The healing gale, 
A ci7Stal rill near Oeta's verdant feet 
I>ispel the langour from their harrass'd nerves, 
Fresh brac'd by strength returning. O'er their heads 
Lo! in full blaze of majesty appears 
Melissa, bearing in her hand divine 
The eternal guardian of illustrious deeds 
The sweet Phoebean lyre. Her graceful traits 
Of wliite-rob'd virgins, seated on a range 
Half down the cliff, o'ershadowing the Greeks, 
All with concoi-dant strings, and accents clear. 
A torrent pour of melody, and swell 
A high, triumphal, solemn dirge of praise, 
Anticipating fame. Of endless joys 
in bless'd Elysium was the song. Go, meet 
Lycurgus, Solon and Zaleucus sage, 
Let them salute the children of their laws. 
jMeet Homer, Orpheus and th' Ascrsean bard,< 
Who with a spirit, by ambrosial food 
Refin'd, and more exalted, shall contend 
Your splendid fate to warble through the bow'rs 
Of amaranth and myrtle, ever youngs 
Like your renown. Your ashes we will cull. 
In yonder fane deposited, yoiu' urns 
Dear to the muses shall our lays inspire. 
Whatever oflPrings, genius, science, art 
Can dedicate to virtue, shall be yours , 
The gifts of all the Muses, to transmit 
You on th' enliven'd canvas, marble, brass, 
In wisdom's volume, in the poet's ?ong} 
X. 



218 
In ev'i7 toMgue, through ev'iy age and clime, 
You of this earth tlie hrigbtest flow'is, not eropt^ 
Transplanted only to immortal bloom 
Of praise with men, of happiness with gods. 

The Grecian valor on religion's flame 
To ecstacy is wafted. Death is nigh. 
As by the Graces fashion 'd, he appears 
A beauteous form. His adamantine gate 
Ishalfmifolded All in transport catch 
A glimpse of immortality. Elate 
In rapturous delusion they believe, 
That to behold and solemnize their fate 
The goddesses are present on the hills 
With celebrating lyres. In thought serene 
XiConidas the kind deception bless'd, 
Nor undeceiv'd his soldiers. After all 
Th' incessant labours of the horrid night 
Through blood, through flames coutinu'd,he prepares 
In order'd battle to confront the pow'rs 
Of Hyperanthes from the upper straits. 

Not long tlie Greeks in expectation wait 
Impatient. Sudden with tumultuous shouts 
Like Nile's rude current, wherein deafening roar 
Prone from the steep of Elephantis falls 
A sea of waters, Hyperanthes pours 
His chosen numbers on the Grecian camp 
Down from the hills precipitant. No foes 
He finds. The Thebans join him. In his van 
They march conductors. On, the Persians roll 
In martial thunder through the soundine; pass. 
They issue forth impetuous from its mouth. 
That moment Sparta's leader gave the sign; 
When, as the impulse ran in forceful sway 
O'ertui'ns a nodding rampart from its base. 
And strews a town with ruin, so the baiul 
Of serry'd heroes down the JVlalian steep, 
Tremenduous depth, the mix'd battalions sn-ept 



219 

©f Thebes and Pevaa. There no waters flow'd. 
Abrupt and naked all was rock beneath. ■ 
J^eoBJdas, incens'd, with grappling strength 
Dash'd Anaxander on a pointed crag; 
Compos-d, then gave new orders. At the word 
His phalanx, wheeling, penetrates the pass 
Astonish'd Persia stops in full career. 
Ev'n Hyperauthes shrinks in wonder back. 
Confusion drives fresh numbers from the shore 
The Malian ooze overwhlems them. Sj)arta's king« 
Still presses forwai-d. till an open breadth 
Of fifty paces yields his front extent 
To profer battle. Hyperauthes soon 
Recalls his Mar iors, dissipates their fears. 
Swift on the great Leonidas a cloud 
Of darts is showVd. Th' encouut'ring armies close. 

Who first, sublimest hero, felt thy arm? 
What rivers heard along their echoing banks 
Thy name, iu curses sounded from the lips 
Of noble mothers, wailing for their sons? 
What towns with empty monuments were fill'd 
For those, whom thy uneonqvierable sword 
This day to vultures east? First Bessus died, 
A haughty satrap, whose tyrannic sway 
Despoil'd Hyrcania of her golden sheaves, 
And laid her foi-ests waste. For him the bees 
Among the branches interwove their sweets; 
For him tht fig was i'ipen'd,and the vine 
In rich i)rofusion o'er the goblet foam'd 
Then Dijiis bled. On Hermus' side he reigny; 
He long assiduous, unavailing woo'd 
The martial queen of Caria. She disdain'd 
A lover's solt complaint. Her rigid ear 
Was frani'd to watch the tempest, while it rag'd, 
Her eye aceustoni'd on the rolling deck 
To brave the turgid billow. Near the shore 
She now is present in her pinnace light. 
The spectacle of glory crouds her breast 



220 

With diff'rent passions. Valiant, she applauds. 

The Grecian valor; faithful, she laments 

Her sad presage of Persia* prompts her son 

To emulation of the Greeks in arms, 

And of herself in loyalty. By fate 

Is she reserv'dto signalize that day 

Of future shame when Xerxes must behold 

The blood of nations overflow his decks, 

And to their bottom tinge the briny floods 

Of Salamis; whence she with Asia flies. 

She only not inglorious. Low reclines 

Her lover now, on Hermus to repeat 

Her name no more, nor tell the vocal groves 

His fruitless sorrows. Next Maduces, fell, 

A Paphlagonian. Born amid tlie sound 

Of chasing surges, and the roar of winds, 

He o'er th' inhospitable Kuxin foam 

Was wont from high Cara)nbis' rock to ken 

Ill-fated keels, which cut 'he Pontic stream, 

Then with his dire associates through the deed 

For spoil and slaughter guide his savage prow. 

Him dogs will rend ashore. From Medus far. 

Their native current, two bold brothers died, 

Sisamnes and Tithraustes, potent lords 

Of rich domains. On these Mithrines, gi-ey, 

Cilician prince, Lilsebus , who had left 

The balmy fragrance of Arabia's fields 

With Babylonian Tenagon expir'd. 

The growing carnage Hyperanthes views 
Indignant,fierce in vengeful ardor strides 
Against the victor. Each his lance protends: 
But Asia's numbers interiiose their shields, 
Solicitous to guard a prince rever'd: 
Or thither fortune whelm'd the tide of war. 
His term protracting for augmented famCc 
So two proud vessels, lab'ring on the foam. 
Present for battle their destructive beaks; 
When ridgy seas, by huiTicanes uptom. 



221 

In motintasnoiis commotion dasli between 
And eitlier deck, in black'ning tempest veil'd, 
Waft tVom its distant foe . More fiercely burn'il 
Thy spirit, mighty Sparta. Such dismay 
Relax'd thy foes, that each Barbarian heart 
Resign'd all hopes of victory. The steeds 
Of day were climbing their meridian height. 
Continii'd shouts of onset from the pass 
Kesounded o'er the plain. Artuchus heard. 
"When first the spreading tumult liad aiarm'd 
His distant quarter, starling from repose, 
He down the valley of Spercheos rush'd 
To aid his regal master. Asia's camp 
He found the seat of terror and despair. 
As in some fruitful clime, which late hath known 
Tlie rage of winds and floods, although the storra 
Be heard no longer, and the deluge fled 
Still o'er the wasted region nature mourns 
in melancholy silence; through the grove 
With prostrate glories lie the stately oak, 
Th' uprooted elm and beach; the plain is spread 
With fragments, swept from villages o'erthrown. 
Around the pastures Socks and herds are cast 
In dreary piles of death: so Persia's host 
In terror mute one boundless scene displays 
Of devastation. Half-devour'd by fire, 
Her tall pavilions, and her martial cars 
Deform the wide encampment. Here in gore 
Her princes welter, nameless thousands there^ 
Not victims all to Greeks. In gasping heaps 
Barbarians, mangled by Barbarians, shew'd 
The wild confusion of that direful night; 
When, wanting signals, and a leader's care, 
They rush'd on mutual slaughter. Xerxes' tent 
On its exalted summit, when the dawn 
First streak'd the orient sky, was wont to beaj.' 
The golden form of Mithra, clos'd between 
Two lucid ciystals. Tlris the gen'ral host 
OteevY'd, theii' awful signal to arrange 



222 

In arras compleat, and numberless to watch 

Their moiiavch's rising. This conspicuous blaze 

Artuchus places in th' accustoni'd seat. 

As, after winds have iniffled by a storm 

The plumes of darkness, when her welcome face 

The morning lifts serene, each wary swain 

Collects his flock dispersVl; the neighing steed, 

The herds forsake theiv shelter: all return 

To well known pastures, and frequented streams: 

So now this cheering signal on the tent 

Revives each leadei*. From inglorious flight 

Their scattered bands they call, their wonted ground 

Resume, and haU Artuehus. From their swarms 

A force he culls. Thermopylae he seeks. 

Fell shouts in horrid dissonance precede. 

His phalanx swift Leonidas commands 
To circlebackward from the Malian bay. 
Their order changes. Now, half'orb'd, they stand 
By Oeta's fence protected from behind, 
With either flank united to the rock. 
As by th' excelling architect dispos'd 
To shield some haven, a stupendous mole, 
Frarad of the grove and quarry's mingled strength, 
In ocean's bosom penetrates afar: 
There, pride of art, immoveable it looks 
On Eolus and Neptune; there defies 
Those potent gods combin'd: unyielding thus. 
The Grecians stood a solid mass of war 
Against Artuchus, join'd with numbers new 
To Hyperanthes. In the foremost rank 
JLeonidas his dreadful station held. 
Around him soon a spacious void was seen 
By flight, or slaughter in the Persian van. 
In gen'rous shame and wrath Artuchus burns, 
Discharging full at Lacedsemon's chief 
An iron-studded mace. It glanc'd aside, 
Turn'd by the massy buckler. Pione to eartU 
The gutrap fell. Akander aim'd his point, 



22S 

"Which had traesfix'd him prostrate on the rock, 
But for th' immediate succour, he obtaiu'd 
From laithfui soldiers, lifting on tlieir shields 
A chief beiov'd. Not such Alcander's lot. 
An arrow wounds his heart. Supine he lies, 
The only Theban, who to Greece preserv'd 
Unviolated faith. Physician sage. 
On piue Ciihseron healing herbs to cull 
Was he accustom'd, to expatiate o'er 
The Heliconian pastures, where no plants 
Of poison spring, of juice salubrious all. 
Which vipers, winding in their verdant track, 
^Drink and expel the venom from their tooth, 
Dipt in the sweetness of that soil divine. 
On him the brave Artontes sinks in death, 
Renown'd through wide Bithynia, ne'er again, 
The clam'ix)us rites of Cybele to share; 
While echo murmurs through the hollow caves 
Of Berecynthian Dii idymus. I'he strength 
Of Aipheus sent him to the shades of night. 
Ere from the dead was disengag'd the spear, 
Huge Abradates, glorj'ing in his might, 
Surpassing all of Cissian race,advanc'd 
To grapple; planting firm his foremost step, 
Tlie victor's throat he grasp'd. At Nemea's game* 
Ihe wrestler's chaplet Aipheus had obtaiu'd. 
He summons all his art. Oblique the stroke 
Of his swift foot supplants the Persian's heel, 
He, falling, clings by Aipheus' neck, and drags 
His foe upon him. It» the Spartan's back 
Enrag'd Barbarians fix their thronging spears. 
To Abradates' chest the weapons pass; 
They rivet both in death. I'his Maron sees, 
This Polydorus, frowning. Victims, strewn 
Before their vengeance, hide their brother's corse: 
At length the gen'rous blood of Maron warms 
The sword of Hyperanthes. On the spear 
Of Polydorus falls the pond'ious axe 
Of Saeian Mardus. From the yielding v.'<HtA 



■224 
-The steely point is sever'd. Undismay'd, 
The Spartan stoops to rear the knotted mace. 
Left by Artuchus; but thy fatal blade, 
Abroeomes, that dreadful instant wateh'd 
To rend his op'iiing side. Unconquer'd still, 
Swift he discharges on the Saeian's front 
A pond'rous blow, which burst the scatter'd brain, 
Down his own limbs meantime a torrent flows 
Of vital crimson. Smiling, he reflects 
On sorrow finish'd, on his Spartan name, 
Kenew'd in lustre. Sudden to his side 
Springs Dithyrambus. Through th' uplifted ann 
Of Mindus, pointing a malignant dart 
Against the dying Spartan, he impeli'd 
His spear. The point with violence unspent, 
Urg'd by such vigour, reach'd the Persian's throat 
Above his corselet. Polydorus stretch'd 
His languid hand to Thespia's friendly youth^ 
Then bow'd his head in everlasting peace. 
While Mindus, wasted by his streaming wound. 
Beside him faints and dies. In flow'ring prime 
He, loi-d of Colchis, from a bride was torn 
His tyrant's hasty mandate to obey. 
She tovk''rd the Euxien sends her plaintive sighs; 
She woos in tender piety the winds: 
Vain is tlieir favor; they can never breathe 
On his returning sail. At once a croud 
Of eager Persians seize the victor's spear. 
One of his nervous hands retains it fast 
The other bares his falchion. Wounds and death 
He scatters round. Sosarmes feels his arm 
Lopt from the shoulder. Zatis leaves entwin'd 
His fingers round the long disputed lance. 
On Mardon's reins descends the pond'rous blade, 
Which half divides his body. Pheron strides 
Aci'oss the pointed ash. His weight o'ercomes 
The weary'd Thespian, who resigns his hold; 
But cleaves th' elate Barbarian to the brain. 
Abroeomes darts forward, shakes his steel, 



2^6 

IVhoselight'ning threatens deatli. Thewaty Greek 
Waixls with his sw ord the well-directed stroke, 
Then, closing-, throws the Persian. Now what aid 
Of mortal force, or interposing heav'n 
Preserves tJie eastern hero" Lo! the friend 
Of 'I'eritazus. Eager to avenge 
That lov'd, that lost companion, and defend 
A brother's life, beneath the sinewy aim, 
Outstretch'd, the sword of Hyperanthes passVI 
Through Dithyrambus. All the strings of life 
At once relax; nor fame, nor Greece deinand 
Moi"e from his valour. Prostrate now he lies 
In glories, ripeii'd on bis blooming head. 
Him shall the Thespian maidens in their songs 
Recoi-d once loveliest of the youthful train, 
The gentle, wise, beneficent and brave, 
Grace of his lineage, and his country's boastj 
Now fall'n. Elysium to his parting soul 
Uncloses. So the cedar, which supreme 
Among the groves of Libanus hath tow''rd. 
Uprooted, low'rs his graceful top, preferr'd 
For dignity of growth some royal dome, 
Or heav'n devoted fabi ic to adorn. 
Diomedon bursts forAvard. Round his friend 
-Ke heaps destruction. ■l'rooi>s of wailiog ghosts 
Attend thy shade, fall'n hero! Long prevail'd 
His furious arm in vengeance uncontroull'd; 
Till four Assyrians on his shelving spear. 
Ere from a Cassian's prostrate body freed, 
Their pond'rous maces all discharge. It broke. 
Still with a shatter'd truncheon he maintains 
Unequal fight. Impetuous through his eye 
The well aim'd fragment penetrates the brain 
Of one bold warrior; there the splinter'd wood, 
Infix'd, remains. I'he hero last unsheaths 
His falchion broad. A second sees aghast 
His entrails open'd. Sever'd from a third, 
The head, steel-cas'd. descends, Ib blood is roU'd 



226 

The grizly beard. That effort breaks the blaide 

Short from its hilt. The Grecian stands disarra'de 

The fourth. Astaspes, proud Chaldaean lord, 

Is nigh. He lifts his iron-plated jnaee. 

'I'his, while a cluster of auxiliar friends 

Hang on the Grecian shield, to eartlidepress'd, 

Loads with unerring blows the batter'd helm; 

Till on the ground Diomedon extends 

His mighty limbs. So, weakened by the force 

Of some tremendous engine, which the hand 

Of Mars impells, a citadel, high-tow'ixl, 

Whence darts and fire and ruins long have aw'd 

Begirding legions, yields at last, and spreads 

Its disuniting ramparts on the ground; 

Joy fills th' assailants, and the battle's tide 

Whelms o'er the widening breach: the Persian thu3 

O'er the late-fear'd Diomedon advanc'd 

Against the Grecian remnant: when behold 

Leonidas. At once their ardour froze. 

He had awhile behind his friends retir'd, 

Oppress'd by labour. Pointless was his spear, 

His buckler cleft- As, overworn by storms, 

A vessel steers to some protecting bay ; 

Then, soon as timely gales, inviting, curl 

The azure flouds, to Neptune shews again 

Her masts apparell'dfresh in shrouds and sails, 

Which court the vig'rous wind: so Sparta's king, 

tn strength repair'd, a spear and buckler new 

Presents to Asia. From her bleeding ranks 

Hydarnes, urg'd by destiny, approach'd. 

He, proudly vaunting, left an infant race, 

A spouse lamenting on the distant verge 

Of Bactrian Ochus. Victory in vain 

He, parting, promised. Wanton hope will sport 

Round his cold heart no longer. Grecian spoils, 

Iraagin'd triumphs, pictur'd on his mind, 

Fate will erase forever. Through the targe, 

The tliick-mail'd corselet his divided chest 

Of bony strength admits the hostile 8])ear. 



237 
Leonidas draws liaek the steely point, 
Beit and enfeebled by the forceful blow. 
JVleantinie within his buckler's rim, unseen, 
Aniphistreus stealing;, in th' ungavded Hank 
Misdagge; struck. In slow effusion ooz'd 
The blood, from Hcrcult^sderiv'd; but death 
Nut vet liad reach'd liis mark, lb' indignant king 
Grijjes irresistibly the Persian's throat. 
He drags him prostrate. False, corrupt and base, 
Fallacious, fell, preeminent was he 
Among tyrannic satraps. Phrygia pin'd 
Beneath the onpression of his ruthless sv\ay. 
Her soil had once been fruitful. Once her towns 
Were populous and rich. The direful change 
To naked fields and crumbling roofs declared, 
Th' aecurs'd Aniphistreus govern'd- As the spear 
Of Tyrian ( adraus rivetted to earth v 
The pois'nous dragon, whose infections breath 
Had blasted all Boeotia ; so the king, 
On prone Amphistreus trampling, to the rock 
Nails down the tyrant, and the fractur'd staff 
Leaves in his panting body. But the blood. 
Great hero, dropping from the wound, revives 
The hf pes of Persia. Thy unyielding arm 
Upholds the conflict still. Against thy shield 
The various weapons shiver, and thy feet 
"With glitt'ring points surround. The Lydian sword, 
The Persian dagger leave their shatter'd hilts; 
Bent is the Caspian scymeter; the lance, 
The javelin, dart and arrow all combine 
Their fruitless efforts. Frojn Aleides sprung, 
Thou stand'st unshaken like a Thraeian hill, 
Like Hhodojje, or H«mus; where in vain 
The thund'rer plants his livid bolt; in vain 
Keei--pointe<l lightnings pierce th' encrusted snow; 
And winter, beating witli eternal war, 
Shakes from his dreary wings discordant storms, 
Chil! sket, and clatt'ring hail. Advancing bold, 
His rapid lauee Abroconiet in vain 



228 
"Aims at the forehead of Laeonia's chief. 
He, not iing'iiarded, rears his active blade 
Athwart the dang'rous blow, wliose fury wastes 
Above his crest in air. Then, swiftly wheel'd, 
The pond' rous weapon cleaves the Persian's knee 
Sheer through the parted bone. He sidelong falls. 
Crush 'd on the ground beneath contending feet, 
Great Xerxes' bi'other yields the last remains 
Of tortur'd life. Leonidas persists; 
Till Agis calls Dieneces, alarms 
Deinophihis, Megistias: they o'er piles 
Of Allarodian and Sasperian dead 
Haste to their leader: they beforeJiiin raise 
The brazen bulwark of their massy shields. 
The forejnost rank of Asia stands and bleeds; 
The rest recoil: but Hyperanthes swift 
From band to band his various host prevades, 
Their drooping hopes rekindles, in the brare 
New fortitude excites: the frigid heart 
Of fear he warms. Astaspes first obeys. 
Vain of his birtb, from ancient Belus drawn, 
Proud of his wealthy stores, his stately domes, 
More proud in recent victory : his might 
Had foil'd Platsea's chief. Before the fi-ont 
He strides impetuous. His triumphant mace 
Against the brave Dieneces he bends. 
"The weighty blow bears down th' opposing shield. 
And breaks the Spartan's shoulder. Idle hangs 
The weak defence, and loads th' inactive arm, 
Depriv'd of ev'ry function. Agis bares 
His ve igeful blade. At two well levell'd strokes 
Of botli his hands, high brandishing the mace, 
He mutilates the foe. A Sacian chief 
Springs on the victor. Jaxartes' banks 
To this brave savage gave his name and birth? 
His look erect, his bold deportment spoke 
A gallant spirit, but untam'dby laws, 
With dreary wilds familiar, and a race 
Of jude Bafb^rians, horrid, as their clime. 



228 
From its direction glanc'd the Spartan spear, 
Which, upward borne, o'erturn'd his iron con^« 
Black o'er his forehead fall the naked locks; 
They aggravate his fury: vvliile his foe 
Repeats the stroke, and peiietrates his chest. 
Th' intrepid Sacian through his breast and back 
Receives the gnp-ding steel. Along the staff 
He writhes his tortur'd bodj ; in his grasp 
A barbed arrow from his quiver shakes; 
Deep in the streaming throat of Agis liides 
The deadly point; then grimly smiles and dies.. 

From him fate hastens to a nobler prey, 
Dieneces- His undefended frame 
The shield abandons, sliding from his arm. 
His breast is gor'd by javelins. On the foe 
He hurls them btsck, extracted from his wounds. 
Life, \ iekhng slow to destny, at length 
Forsakes his riven heart; nor less in deatli 
Thermopylae he graces, than before 
By martial deeds and conduct. What can stem 
The barb'rous torrent? Agis bleeds. His spear 
Lies useless, irrecoverably plung'd 
In Jaxartes' body. Low reclines 
Dieueces. Leor.idas himself, 
O'erlabour'd, woundedj with his dinted sword 
The rage of war can exercise no more. 
One last one glorious effort age performs. 
Deniophilus, Megistiasjoin their might. 
They chedt the tide of conquest; while the spear 
Of slain Dieneces to Sparta's chief 
The fainting Agis bears. The pointed ash, 
bi that dire hand for battle rear'd anew, 
Blasts ev'ry Persian's valour. Back in heaps 
rhey roll, confounded, by their gen'ral's voice 
lu vain exhorted longer to endure 
The ceaseless waste of that unconquer'd arm. 
So, when the giants from Olympus chac'd 
TU' ijiferior goils, themselves in terror shtm'd 



230 

Th' incessant streams of lightning, where the hand 
Of heav'fj's great father with eternal might 
Sustaiii'd the dreadful conflict. O'er the field 
Awhile Bellona gives the battle rest; 
When Thespia's leader and Megistias drop 
At either side of Lacedsemon's king. 
Beneath the weight of years and labour bend 
The hoary warriors. Not a groan niolests 
Their parting spirits; but in death's calm night 
All-siient sinks each venerable head; 
Like aged oaks, whose deep»descending roots 
Had pierc'd resistless through a craggy slope; 
There during three long centuries have brav'd 
Malignant Eurus, and the boist'rous north; 
Till bare and sapless by corroding- time 
Without a blast their mossy trunks recline 
Before iheir parent hill. Not one remains, 
But Agis,near Leonidas, whose hand 
The last kind ofilce to his friend performs, 
Extracts the Sacian's arrow. Life, releas'd 
Pours forth in crimson floods; O Agis, pale 
Thy placid features , rigid are thy limbs; 
They lose their graces. Dim'd, thy eyes revea! 
The native goodness of thy heart no more 
Yet otlier graces spring. The noble corse 
Leonidas surveys. A. pause he finds 
To mark, how lovely are the patriot's wouudsj 
And see those honors on the breast, he lov'd. 

But Hyperanthes from the trembling ranks 
Of Asia tow'is, inflexibly resolv'd 
The Persian glo»y to redeem, or fall. 
The Spartan, worn by toil, his languid arm 
Uplifts once more. He waits tlie dauntless jn-ince. 
The heroes now stand adverse. Each awhile 
Restrains his valour. Each, admiring, \ lews 
His godlike foe. At lejigth their brandish'd points 
Provoke the contest, fated soon to close 
The long-cominu'd horrors of the day. 



231 
Fix'd in amaze and fear, the Asian tlirong, 
Uiiniov'd and silent, on their bucklers pause. 
Thus on tlie wastes of India, while the earth 
Beneath him groans, the elephant is seen. 
His huge proboscis writhing, to defy 
'I'he strong rhinoceros, whose pond'rous hoxn 
Is newly Avhetted on a rock. Anon 
Each hideous bulk encounters. Eartli her groan 
Redoubles. Trembling, froni their covert gaze 
The savage inmates of surromiding woods 
In distant terror. By the vary'd art 
Of either chief the dubious cojubat long 
Its great event retarded. Now his lance 
Far through the hostile shield Laconia's king 
ImpelM. Aside the Persian swung his arm. 
Beneath it pass'd the weapon, which his targe 
Encumber'd. Hopes of conquest aiid renown 
Elate his courage. Sudden he directs 
His rapid javelin to the Spartan's throat. 
But he his wary buckler npwaixi rais'd 
Which o'er his shoulder turu'd the glancing steel; 
For one last effort then his scatter'd strength 
Collecting, levell'd with resistkrss force 
The massive orb, anddash'd its brazen verge 
Full on the Persian's forehead. Down he sunk. 
Without a groan expiring, as o'erwhelm'd 
Beneath a marble fragment, from its seat 
Heav'd by a whirlwind, sweeping o'er the ridg-e 
Of some aspiring mansion. Gen'rous prince! 
What could his valour more? His single might 
He mat h'd with great Leonidas,aiid fell 
Before his native bands. Tlit Spartan king 
Now stands alone. In heaps his slaughter'd friends, 
All streich'd around him, lie. The distant foes 
Show'r on his head innumerable darts. 
From various sluices gush the vital floods; 
They stain his fainting limbs. Nor yet with pain 
His brow is clouded; but those beauteous wounds, 
'I'he sacred pledges of liis own renown, 



232 
And Sparta's safety, in serenest joy 
His closing eye contemplates. Fame can twine 
No brighter laurels round his glorious headj 
His virtue more to labour late forbids. 
And lays him now in honorable rest 
To seal his country's liberty by death. 



THE END, 



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